In Nigeria, the safety of Christians remains precarious amidst ongoing violence linked to Islamist extremism. “You can be less than a hundred meters away from a military checkpoint and still be killed by Islamists because the army does not protect you,” Paul, a local journalist, explained. His statement captures the grim reality many face in a nation where security forces appear to fail in their duty of protection. He emphasizes the systematic failures of the military, noting, “Orders are given, and that is the end of it.”
Paul, a Christian living in the northern region vulnerable to attacks, raises a crucial alarm about the urgent plight of his community. His reluctance to use his full name underscores the dangers journalists encounter. “People get threatened. They get picked up and disappear,” he warns. The divide between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria sharply delineates regions of conflict, particularly in the Middle Belt, where Christians are encircled by the Muslim north and south.
The roots of violence trace back centuries, originating from a jihad led by a Fulani Islamic scholar, Usman dan Fodio, in the early 1800s. His conquest established the Sokoto Caliphate and set the stage for enduring conflict in areas where indigenous tribes resisted expansion. Colonial amalgamation in 1914 complicated matters further, binding disparate groups into one nation under an unbalanced system favoring northern Muslims. Paul sees a direct line from this historical context to the present, stating, “There is a connection between the northern Muslim power structure and the violence against Christians that enables these attacks.”
Allegations of military complicity complicate the narrative. While the Nigerian government attributes security challenges to resource limitations, community members question the military’s commitment. “Victims say they are often told there are orders not to engage while villages are being burned and people are being killed,” Paul described. This sentiment reflects widespread feelings of betrayal among those under threat.
The attacks themselves are not random; rather, they exhibit a deliberate target against Christians. Paul’s observations indicate that the scale and coordination behind these assaults stand out. “They are highly coordinated and sophisticated. You are always overwhelmed,” he said of the organized nature. Reports detail groups arriving at night, launching assaults from strategic positions, and using military-like tactics. “They come in large numbers, and the logistics involved are extensive,” he added, underscoring the sophistication of the attackers.
Unlike other regions facing similar persecution, such as Iraq and Syria, Nigerian Christians lack the means to form self-defense militias. Paul notes, “The citizens are not permitted to own weapons,” while militant groups operate with considerable arms. This disparity raises serious concerns, especially as Nigeria grapples with rampant illegal weapons smuggling. It is estimated that Nigeria accounts for a staggering 70 percent of illegal arms in West Africa. Further complicating matters, a significant number of weapons have gone missing from official police stockpiles, raising suspicion regarding the involvement of security forces.
Research conducted by Conflict Armament Research indicates that jihadists have acquired weapons through various means, including military base raids and smuggling from neighboring countries. This information reveals troubling patterns, suggesting that a portion of the arms supply reaches militants through dubious activities by those in positions of power. Security analysts report cases where officials have reportedly “donated” or sold state-owned arms to armed groups, often dictated by religious affiliations.
Paul reflects on the historical tenacity of his ancestors, noting, “Our ancestors had no formal education and lived what many would call a primitive way of life. Yet, they understood the concept of freedom.” He concludes with a lament about the current state of affairs, expressing a poignant reality: “Now we, their descendants, are helpless. We cannot defend ourselves. Why? Because we now live in a structured country with a government that is controlled by the very people who have a long-standing plan to eliminate you.”
The struggle of Nigerian Christians exemplifies the tangled web of historical injustices, present-day vulnerabilities, and grave threats to life and community. As Paul’s insights illuminate the crisis, it becomes clear that the need for international attention and action is urgent. The fabric of religious tolerance hangs in the balance as violence continues to unravel the lives of countless individuals.
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