For information about Orthodox Christianity in Nigeria, see here.
“Fresh Wave of Extremist Attacks Hit Nigeria’s Christian Communities,” International Christian Concern, September 16, 2024:
9/16/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Islamic extremists recently struck Christian communities in multiple regions of Nigeria, raising concerns about the country’s worsening security. According to multiple reports from Kaduna state, Islamic extremists violently attacked the Kuyallo Primary Health Care Centre on Sept. 9 in the Birnin-Gwari local government area. The attackers, believed to be members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansaru group, stormed the facility at around 9 a.m., leaving many injured. The group also abducted two female nurses and several patients. Initially targeting a local government school, the attackers shifted their focus to the hospital after finding the school empty. Before 2013, the Ansaru also engaged in opportunistic kidnappings of Westerners and killed several hostages, mostly Christians whom they had initially intended to use for ransom. In November 2013, the U.S. Department of State designated Ansaru as a foreign terrorist organization. Meanwhile, both Kaduna and Niger states are grappling with another wave of insurgency, particularly around Shiroro Lake and its neighboring communities. Local reports indicate that Boko Haram, ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), and Ansaru have formed a deadly coalition in the area. The groups are forcing Christian farmers into slave labor, cultivating their crops and tending to their stolen cattle. The farmers are often forced to sell their produce at local markets and give the profits to the Islamists. These terror activities are occurring near Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, which could pose a larger threat if swift action is not taken….
