Increased Violence Against Christians

Two Christian brothers, Ushahemba and Sughter Kumashenge, were ambushed and killed by Fulani militants on Saturday, August 22nd. The incident occurred on their farm in Taraba state, lending to concerns that militants in Nigeria's middle belt -- consisting of Kaduna, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states -- are joining forces with jihadists for the specific purpose of driving out Christians.

Over the summer, the violent attacks had intensified throughout northern Nigeria and its neighbouring country of Cameroon, causing some Christians in affected areas to refrain from attending church. On Saturday, July 25th, a 12-year-old girl detonated a suicide bomb within a crowded area in Maroua, northern Cameroon, killing 20 people and injuring 79 others. The following Friday, July 31st, six people died and eleven were injured in a massive bomb explosion at a market in Maiduguri, Nigeria -- the traditional heartland of the Nigerian violence.

Churches in Cameroon are presently struggling to contain the influx of approximately 60,000 Nigerian refugees and thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs). "The level of attendance has also fallen in various churches," explains Rev. Samuel Heteck, President of the Protestant Churches' Council in Northern Cameroon. "We have observed a lack of concentration among some worshippers during recent services as their ears remain attentive to any movement outside."

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited Cameroon at the end of July in order to bolster collaborative efforts against the notorious Boko Haram terrorist group. Fortunately, the Nigerian military reported on August 2nd that they had rescued 178 people, including 101 children, all of whom had been taken captive by Boko Haram in the Nigerian state of Borno. To learn more about persecution in Nigeria, click here.

In the aftermath of recent attacks, we ask the Lord to minister healing to all who were injured and provide comfort to those who are now mourning the loss of loved ones. May He also calm the violence in these affected regions and alleviate mounting fears. As religious and political leaders make difficult decisions in their efforts to resolve the country's crisis, pray for God to grant them wisdom and clear direction so that all those whom they govern may be able to live "peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2).

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    230,842,743 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

    Leader
    President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nigeria

    May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

Nigeria News

  • Over 7,000 Christians Killed Thus Far in 2025
    Pallbearers are carrying a beautifully decorated white casket.
    Persecuted believers in Nigeria are familiar with grief. 
    Photo: Evangelical Church Winning All

    Reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria continue to multiply, with attacks from multiple sources surging in both frequency and intensity. According to a report released on August 10th, more than 7,000 Nigerian Christians had been killed within the first 220 days of 2025 – an average of 32 deaths per day. Additionally, at least 7,800 followers of Jesus were abducted for their faith, more than 19,000 churches have been destroyed, and over 1,100 Christian communities are now dealing with displacement in the aftermath of these attacks.

  • Expanding Dangers for Christians
    Video screenshot of the destruction.
    Video screenshot showing some of the
    destruction following the Benue massacre.
    Photo: Stefanos Foundation

    In recent weeks, the Voice of the Martyrs Canada produced a special two-part video series on Nigeria, highlighting the dangers facing Christians in the northern region of the country while focussing on the urgent need for prayer. If you have not yet taken the time to view these two brief but powerful videos, please do so at our country report.

    The persecution of believers in Nigeria continues to escalate, fuelled by intensifying attacks from more than six different militant groups vying for control of the nation. As a result, hundreds of Christians have been killed, injured or kidnapped in recent months. In mid-June alone, more than 200 villagers lost their lives in the state of Benue and thousands of others were displaced. While economic and cultural factors contribute to the unrest, religion remains a major catalyst of the ongoing violence. For instance, during the recent raid in Benue, eyewitnesses reported that the attackers shouted, "Allahu Akbar," as they targeted predominantly Christian communities, leaving devastation in their wake.

  • SPECIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION
    Stephen is teaching in a video preview.
    Join us in praying for our Nigerian family.

    VOMC's production team has filmed on location in Nigeria a special two-part "Persecution & Prayer Alert" video series. We now invite you to view the second part of this informative series. (To watch the previous week's video presentation, and/or to explore published written reports addressing persecution in Nigeria, visit our country report.)

  • SPECIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION
    Rev. Joseph John Hayab is praying in a video preview.
    View this inspiring call to prayer.

    The Voice of the Martyrs Canada production team has filmed on location in Nigeria a special two-part "Persecution & Prayer Alert" video series. We invite you to view this presentation, and then join us in prayer for our persecuted Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ who are – with God's empowerment and the prayers of His people – resiliently overcoming intense persecution in this beleaguered nation.