Violence that leads to vulnerability: Nigerian Christians suffer the loss of lives and basic freedoms

Believers in the west African country face a severe combination of ethno-religious hostility, Islamic oppression, dictatorial paranoia and organized corruption and crime. Mostly in northern Sharia-governed states, Christians are deprived of essential freedoms. All over the north, Christians suffer from Islamist militant violence, however in recent years, violence has increased and spilled into southern states.

The violence against Christians is mostly carried out by Muslim Fulani militants and “bandits” of Fulani descent, more than by Boko Haram and ISWAP combined. Threats from existing and newly emerging Islamist terror groups who predominantly attack Christian communities have heightened. These groups now include the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) who have resurged with attacks in Plateau and Benue states, the emergence of Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi states, the Mahmuda group that has established presence in Kwara and parts of Niger state, and the Ansaru terror cells that seem to be setting up operations in Kogi state. Here are ten facts about the troubling state of persecution faced by Christians in Nigeria.

1

Converts to Christianity from Islam often have to flee to escape being harassed or killed by their family and the community. Anything that reveals their Christian faith is risky. Living in a Christian community in the rural areas of many states, or as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), can be very risky and lead to high levels of fear.

2

The ‘abduction industry’ has become a feared phenomenon, leading to ‘intergenerational bankruptcy’ where families have members kidnapped and are forced to pay huge ransoms to get them back. This is also the case for Christian parishes or congregations when priests or pastors are abducted, and the communities impoverish themselves to raise the ransom.

3

Christian women and girls in Nigeria face extreme risks from Muslim Fulani militants, Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, and so-called bandits. They are raped, forced into sexual slavery or marriage, abducted for ransom, or killed. Blasphemy accusations add further dangers. Widespread child marriage compounds the vulnerability of girls. Women often witness their husbands and sons being beaten or killed. In IDP camps, Christian women and girls face sexual violence or forced marriage.

4

Christian men face systemic discrimination in education, employment, and business. Targeted killings by Muslim Fulani militia and other terror groups occur. Survivors risk forced conscription, or ransom kidnappings. In IDP camps, men are deeply traumatized by being forced to witness violence against their wives and daughters. Some attempt to return to their villages to cultivate their fields and help their families survive, but returnees risk ambush and death.

5

People with an English or biblical name often face discrimination in schools, hospitals and in the workplace. In Muslim-dominated areas, Christians are seen as infidels and harassed.

6

Government amenities do not reach Christian communities as much as they should. In some rural areas, Christians have been denied water. Even in cities, the Christian quarters are sometimes denied amenities such as sanitation services. Among IDPs, Christians are often left out of the distribution of relief.

7

Churches are destroyed, and church leaders abducted or executed. Church activities are monitored, hindered, or obstructed. Christians are also denied land for building churches. Openly integrating Muslim converts could provoke violence against the church, so many converts move to safe locations elsewhere in Nigeria. In an atmosphere of chaos and impunity, speaking out against the human rights violations of Christians and other Nigerians is risky.

8

Those who attack Christians and their properties are hardly ever arrested. Although the Constitution recognizes the right to freedom of religion or belief, Sharia law supersedes this. The media often reports attacks on Christian communities as “communal clashes”. Muslim-owned media outlets can under-report or distort attacks against Christians by Muslims.

9

Especially in the northern states, Evangelical and Pentecostal communities face discrimination from the local authorities, as well as violent attacks against their life and property by the different religious and ethno-religious terror groups.

10

Clan oppression in many southern states contributes to the persecution of Christians. Christians are subject to serious punishment for refusing to participate in traditional rites because of their faith. This punishment may involve the payment of certain levies, beating, or public disgrace (such as stripping the person naked).