The recent massacre of Christians in Nigeria has drawn widespread condemnation, notably from Pope Leo XIV and the U.S. State Department. On June 13, approximately 200 individuals were reportedly killed in Yelewata, Benue State, by Islamist Fulani militants. The pope expressed his distress over the “extraordinary cruelty” of the attacks, highlighting that most victims were sheltered within a Catholic sanctuary, many being internal refugees seeking safety. This tragedy underscores the severe persecution of Christians in Nigeria, as stated by various organizations including Open Doors International, which identified Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians in its 2025 World Watch List.
The State Department echoed the pope’s sentiments, explicitly condemning the ongoing violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria. A spokesperson pointed out that a significant proportion of the global deaths of Christians can be traced back to Nigeria, with 3,100 out of 4,476 reported killings occurring there. The attacks are often accompanied by brutal tactics, including arson and armed assaults, as militants reportedly shout “Allahu Akbar” during their onslaught. Benue State, with its predominant Christian population, has been identified as a hotspot for such violence, prompting calls for urgent action to protect vulnerable communities.
In a concerning trend, reports from church leaders suggest that the overarching goal of these attackers is to establish Islamic dominance in Nigeria, with calls for the enforcement of Sharia law. A Nigerian church leader, speaking anonymously for safety, described the aggressive campaign against Christianity as an effort to ensure that Islam prevails in regions historically inhabited by Christians. This perspective aligns with the U.S. State Department’s assessment of the violent extremist groups operating within Nigeria and their broader campaign against the secular state, indicating a systematic targeting of both civilians and military personnel.
Amidst this climate of violence, local religious leaders, including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, have faced personal threats following their appeals to lawmakers for greater protection of Christians. Bishop Anagbe revealed that after his congressional testimony, a series of violent attacks in his diocese led to the deaths of 20 parishioners. Faced with credible threats to his safety, he has since gone into hiding, reflecting the grave risks that come with advocating for religious freedom in such a perilous context. This situation has prompted international calls for increased accountability from the Nigerian government regarding the safety of its citizens.
The U.S. State Department has urged the Nigerian government to intensify its efforts in safeguarding civilians and enforcing the rule of law. In this ongoing partnership, the United States aims to bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities to help dismantle extremist networks. Despite these efforts, the Nigerian government’s response to this grave security crisis remains under scrutiny, as President Bola Tinubu recently visited Benue State, indicating a desire for peace while violence continues unabated in the region.
In summary, the continuous attacks against Christians in Nigeria shed light on the broader issues of religious persecution and the need for effective government response to safeguard vulnerable populations. The international community, alongside local leaders, is calling for immediate action to protect religious freedoms and ensure justice for victims of such atrocities. The escalating violence necessitates a concerted effort to address the underlying causes of extremism and the systematic targeting of Christian communities, a task that remains critical for the future stability of Nigeria.
