Nigerian Bishops Say Anti-Christian Insurgents Have Taken Over Their Country

Nigerian Catholic bishops are sounding the alarm on violent anti-Christian insurgents virtually taking over the country. Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians, with more than two decades of Islamic terrorism against Christians leaving tens of thousands dead and many millions more displaced.

Radical Muslim groups continue to cause chaos and death in Nigeria. Catholic outlet Crux reported on Sept. 27, “With a Christian being slain every two hours for their faith, Nigeria has the unsavory distinction of being the world’s greatest persecutor of Christians, according to Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors.” That is based on 2021 data, which showed that over 80% of all Christians killed for their faith globally that year were Nigerian.

According to the Nigerian bishops, insecurity “has remained a persistent problem in our country as insurgents, herdsmen militia, bandits, and so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ have continued to unleash terror in different parts of the country.” Catholic clergy and other Christians continue to be kidnapped for ransom.