Christian leaders in Nigeria believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose Islam.

The Assemblies of God in the capital, Niamey, say that “the population seems to have accepted” the situation, although other voices refer to an “unexpected” situation.

The state has been severely hit lately by Fulani herdsmen, who also killed 46 Christians last June.

France, Spain, Germany and Ukraine are mentioned in the 2023 USCIRF report, which was criticised  for its way of addressing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

A gathering in Olso brought together 61 Christian leaders from a migrant background. “Many migrants are more bold with their faith and their testimonies. This is a great resource for the churches”.

Jeffery Woodke was kidnapped by a group linked to the Islamic State. French journalist Olivier Dubois, kidnapped in 2021, has also been released.

A university professor in Nigeria analyses the socio-political context before the 25 February presidential election.

On 25 February, the most populated country of Africa elects its new president. A Christian university lecturer in northen Nigeria analyses the socio-political scenario.

There is “extreme persecution” in 10 countries in Africa and the Middle East, says Open Doors. Elsewhere, worrying trends are observed in key geopolitical actors such as India, Saudi Arabia and China.

Unity, integrity, and long-term commitment is what Africa needs from evangelical Christians, says Goodwill Shana from Zimbabwe.

Fulani extremists attacked several towns, burning more than 100 houses. 53 Christians were kidnapped and are still held captive.

Islamic militants threaten to forcibly marry kidnapped women.

A bomb and gun attack left more than 70 victims during a mass in the southwest of the country.

Churches and shops damaged as Muslims demand release of suspected killers of Christian university student.

Afghanistan is new at the top of the Open Doors WWL 2022. Discover the full list.

The Islamic country replaces North Korea at the top of the World Watch List after 20 years. One in seven Christians worldwide suffers persecution, says Open Doors.

The Reverend Dauda Bature of the First Evangelical Church Winning All in Kaduna state, was kidnapped by armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen in November while working on his farm.

It was the second attack on Christians in the area in one week. Fulani herdsmen killed six Christians from one family and other four were killed in four homes.

At least eight more Christians slain in October. “Christians are being killed, and the government exhibits carelessness”, said evangelical leaders in Kaduna.

The mob burnt down the family home, the premises of the New Life church where he was a pastor, and the school.

Over 30 still remain in captivity. According to UNICEF, at least 1,000 children and youth have been adbucted in Nigeria in the last nine months.

Muslim Fulanis killed 70 Christians, displaced 30,000 and burned 500 homes in attacks on villages in Miango District the first three weeks of August.

The president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention hopes that “as we cry out to Almighty God, our students will be returned”. Several prayer meetings were organised across the country.

The school belongs to Bethel Baptist Church in Kaduna. Nigeria led the world in number of kidnapped Christians last year with 990.

An evangelical pastor says terrorists roam freely in presence of security personnel. Churches affected by herdsmen attacks in the area include Baptists, Pentecostals, Anglicans, and Catholics.