Fears remain this Easter that Christians in Nigeria are being ‘wiped out’ by Muslim extremists

At least 51 Christians were killed in another attack in Nigeria’s Plateau State.  (Reuters)

| Published April 20, 2025

​Islamist militants have reportedly killed thousands of Christians in Nigeria

 

As Easter approaches, Christian communities in Nigeria are confronting a surge in violence perpetrated by Islamist militants. According to a recent Fox News report, these attacks are part of a broader campaign by extremist groups aiming to establish a Muslim caliphate in the region. Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, described the situation as a “genocide,” noting that over 60 Christians were killed and 383 homes destroyed in Bokkos County, Plateau State, during early April attacks. He emphasized that such incidents have been ongoing for two decades, with little intervention from the government. ​

Further reports indicate that in the village of Zikke near Jos, 54 Christians were killed following a Palm Sunday service, with the attack lasting over an hour without any response from authorities. Since 2001, up to 100,000 Christians have been killed, and approximately 3.5 million farmers displaced by Fulani Islamist militants. ​

The United States has expressed concern over the escalating violence. A State Department spokesperson stated that the U.S. remains deeply troubled by the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and is engaging with the Nigerian government to address the root causes and ensure the protection of all citizens. ​

Local religious leaders have urged Christian communities to remain vigilant during Easter celebrations, highlighting the persistent threat posed by extremist groups. Nigeria currently ranks seventh on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, which assesses countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. ​

This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for both national and international efforts to address the security challenges facing Christian populations in Nigeria.

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Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons surrounding the current situation about violence against Christians in Nigeria:

✅ PROS (from the perspective of global awareness and action)

📢 Increased International Attention

• Articles like this help bring global focus to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, an issue often underreported.

• Greater awareness may pressure international bodies (like the U.S. government, U.N., or NGOs) to act.

🛡️ Empowerment of Local Voices

• Religious and human rights leaders speaking out gives a platform to those affected.

• It can mobilize support and solidarity from global faith communities and advocacy groups.

🤝 Catalyst for Policy & Aid

• Coverage could lead to increased foreign aid, security assistance, and refugee support.

• Opens the door for policy interventions that protect vulnerable populations.

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⚠️ CONS (risks, challenges, and broader complications)

🔥 Risk of Escalating Sectarian Tension

• Highlighting religion as the core of the conflict may deepen polarization between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, many of whom coexist peacefully.

• It risks oversimplifying a complex mix of religious, ethnic, economic, and political factors.

🛑 Government Inaction or Complicity

• The report suggests the Nigerian government is either unwilling or unable to protect Christian communities.

• Lack of accountability may further embolden extremist groups and discourage community trust in state institutions.

📉 Potential Backlash Against Muslims

• Global outrage could result in unfair generalizations or backlash against Muslims, both locally and internationally.

• It’s important to distinguish between extremist factions and broader Muslim populations.

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🧭 Conclusion

The Fox News feature sheds urgent light on the dire plight of Christians in Nigeria, who continue to face brutal attacks from Islamist extremists with little protection from the state. While global attention and advocacy are essential steps toward justice, the situation also demands careful, nuanced engagement—one that acknowledges the complex social, religious, and political dynamics at play.

Without swift action from both the Nigerian government and the international community, the violence risks spiraling further—placing millions at continued risk and threatening regional stability and religious coexistence. Awareness must now translate into policy, protection, and accountability.

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SOURCES: FOX NEWS – Fears remain this Easter that Christians in Nigeria are being ‘wiped out’ by Muslim extremists

RELIGION NEWS – Fearing more faith-based attacks, many Nigerian Christians are avoiding churches this Easter

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