The situation for Christians in Nigeria continues to decline, marked by violence, abductions, and profound fear. Reports indicate an alarming number of Christians have been targeted by Islamic militants. In 2025 alone, over 7,000 Christians were killed by groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani militias, surpassing death rates from all other nations combined. As political tensions rise in the lead-up to general elections in Nigeria, the violence has intensified, especially in key regions including Kaduna and Jos.
The statistics paint a grim picture. In the first half of 2025, Intersociety recorded about 7,800 Christians kidnapped, averaging nearly 35 abductions per day. Federal intervention appears limited, resulting in violent attacks occurring almost daily. The humanitarian crisis has only grown worse, with 2,830 documented kidnappings in 2024 and a surge of violence even before the onset of 2026.
Among the abducted are priests, who have become prime targets. Since 2015, at least 145 Catholic priests have been kidnapped, and some have paid the ultimate price. The reasons for this targeting are clear: priests are typically well-known in their communities and hold significant value when it comes to ransom negotiations. A communications director from a Nigerian diocese candidly described the grim reality: “It’s easier to kidnap priests, and give him little torture, and money will come out of it.”
The stories of individual abductees are harrowing. Fr. John Bako Shekwolo has been missing since 2019, and Fr. Joseph Igweagu was taken in 2022, with little hope of recovery. The case of Fr. Alphonsus Afina, who was kidnapped in 2025, illustrates the physical and psychological scars that remain. Upon unofficial confirmation of his survival, he was noted to be in recovery from wounds endured during his captivity.
The plight extends beyond religious leaders. Civilians, particularly young people, suffer abuses that often include torture and murder. One survivor of a church kidnapping recounted a harrowing experience marked by violence and starvation. Children are also kidnapped, with heinous decisions forced upon their families. There is a profound lack of security, making young boys and girls vulnerable to militant groups like Boko Haram.
The situation is even more distressing for Christian girls, who are frequently targeted for abduction. A chilling pattern emerges: convert to Islam and marry jihadists, or face a fate of slavery and repeated abuse. Human Rights Watch has documented this targeting extensively, revealing that unmarried Christian women face longer captivity times. Leah Sharibu’s ongoing captivity is a tragic reminder of these painful choices. Kept in captivity since 2018 after refusing to renounce her faith, she has reportedly been forced into marriage with an ISWAP commander and has given birth to multiple children in captivity.
Educational institutions have not escaped the violence either. Incidents of kidnapping in schools have surged since the notorious Chibok abduction in 2014. A recent attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School saw 303 children and 12 teachers taken, though they were released weeks later, raising concerns about ransom payments.
Each account represents not just a statistic but a tragic loss of life, hopes, and futures. The combined impact of violence, forced conversion, and abduction has resulted in a significant number of children out of school, contributing to a broader educational crisis in Nigeria. Every child, every story, echoes the urgent need for awareness and action from those witnessing these atrocities.
"*" indicates required fields
