The World Appears to be Largely Deaf to the Ongoing Massacre of Christians in Nigeria
The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness for many people around the world, but for Christians in Nigeria, it has been a period of mourning, death, and devastation. According to reports, more than 100 Christians have been ruthlessly killed in what has been described as a never-ending massacre that has been happening for years. The shocking reality is that this ongoing tragedy has largely gone unnoticed by the rest of the world.
The massacre, which unfolded in some 20 communities across central Nigeria in the country’s Plateau State, was carried out by armed bandits, leaving more than 140 people dead, with some sources suggesting the death toll could be even higher. The Christians were targeted in a wide swath across an invisible line that separates the mostly Muslim north and the predominately Christian south in the country.
This horrific reality has drawn attention from several influential voices. Reverend Johnnie Moore, a leading evangelist, took to social media to express his disbelief, stating, “There was yet another Christmas massacre of Christians in Nigeria yesterday. The world is — silent. Just unbelievable.”
The situation has also prompted an outcry from various organizations. According to Intersociety, a civil society group based in Onitsha, more than 52,000 Christians have been mercilessly killed in Nigeria since 2009. The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, expressing heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of life and highlighting the need for accountability.
The alarming rate of violence against Christians in Nigeria has raised concerns about the rise of jihadists in the region. Political analyst Walid Phares noted that the threat of jihadists poses a danger to both Christians and moderate Muslims. In particular, the emergence of groups like Boko Haram, which Phares identifies as a growing ISIS presence in Nigeria, is leading to the mass repression of moderate Muslims and mass killings of Christians.
The chilling accounts of violence and bloodshed have left a deep mark. Eyewitnesses recounted how it took up to 12 hours for help to arrive when the Christmas attacks happened. There have also been accusations of government troops working with armed attackers, further exacerbating the situation.
The growing urgency for international action to address the crisis in Nigeria is palpable. Reverend Johnnie Moore emphasized the need for immediate intervention to put an end to the killings. He called for rigorous international support to empower moderate Muslims, Christians, and civil society in Nigeria to pave the way for peace.
Indeed, the escalating violence against Christians and rising jihadist ideology in Nigeria has created an urgent need for global attention and concerted action. It is a stark reminder that the fundamental right to religious freedom is under grave threat and that more must be done to protect the lives and freedoms of innocent people in Nigeria.