Advocates Highlight Ongoing Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

As the global church observes the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, advocates are calling for sustained attention to the violence facing believers in Nigeria. According to the 2026 World Watch List from Open Doors, Nigeria accounted for 3,490 of the 4,849 faith-related killings of Christians recorded globally during the latest reporting period. Additionally, the report notes that 2,293 Christians were abducted in the country.

Beyond the statistics, ministry workers operating in Northern Nigeria emphasize that persecution is a daily reality for local communities. Reports highlight specific incidents, such as a June 2025 attack on the farming community of Yelwata in Benue State, where 258 people—primarily women and children—were killed. Organizations working on the ground report that violence is increasingly spreading to regions previously considered safer, leaving families in a state of persistent fear and uncertainty. Advocates urge the international community to maintain support for these believers throughout the year rather than limiting their engagement to a single day of prayer.