MY ACCOUNT
Recently, cultural commentator Bill Maher said something that caught our attention: “They are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria … They’ve killed over 100,000 since 2009 … burned 18,000 churches … No one will talk about it.”
His words spotlight what many have overlooked—the reality of widespread Christian persecution in Nigeria. Even those outside the Church are starting to notice. If voices beyond the faith are speaking up, how much more should we, as Christians, pay attention?
Maher doesn’t claim to be a Christian, but even he noticed what too many in the West have overlooked: believers in Nigeria are under attack. If voices outside the Church are raising the alarm, how much more should we, as the Body of Christ, be paying attention?
The Reality in Nigeria
Nigeria stands at the top of GCR’s Red List as one of the deadliest places in the world to follow Jesus. Extremist groups—Boko Haram, ISIS affiliates, and Fulani militants—have waged a relentless campaign of violence against Christians. Since 2009, tens of thousands of believers have been killed, millions displaced from their homes, and more than 18,000 churches destroyed.
But behind the statistics are families and congregations living under constant threat. Entire villages have been burned. Pastors have been abducted. Children have been left orphaned. And yet, in the ashes of loss, the Church in Nigeria continues to gather, worship, and bear witness to Christ. Their faith under fire is why Nigeria remains on the Red List—and why we cannot turn away.
Persecution In Nigeria: A Believer’s Story
Behind every statistic is a face, a name, a family. Tabitha was just a teenager when Boko Haram stormed her village. She watched loved ones killed and her home destroyed. Yet today, her faith is stronger than ever. She testifies boldly: “No matter what Boko Haram took from me, they could not take away my faith.”
Read Tabitha’s full story of resilience.
Scripture reminds us, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Nigerian Christians are not strangers—they are our family in Christ. Their struggle is our struggle. Their perseverance strengthens our faith.
When even outside voices recognize their suffering, it calls the Church to respond with even greater urgency. We cannot allow their cries to go unheard.
What We Can Do
Awareness is the first step, but it cannot be the last. You can stand with Nigerian Christians in three powerful ways:
- Pray — Ask God to protect believers from violence, strengthen their faith, and bring peace to their communities.
- Share — Break the silence. Talk about what’s happening in Nigeria. Share stories like Tabitha’s so others know and care.
- Partner — Join Global Christian Relief as a monthly partner to provide urgent aid: food, trauma counseling, rebuilding homes and churches, discipleship training, and more.
Your involvement reminds Nigerian believers they are not forgotten.
Bill Maher is right about one thing: too few are paying attention. But as the Body of Christ, we cannot look away. Nigerian Christians are part of our family—and when they suffer, we are called to respond.
Join us in prayer, share their stories, and, if you’re able, give to support their courage. Together, we can ensure our persecuted brothers and sisters know they are not alone.
Fuel Relief for Nigeria’s Persecuted Church Stand With Nigerian Christians
Extremist violence in Nigeria has killed thousands of believers and destroyed thousands of churches. Yet Christians like Tabitha continue to hold fast to their faith in Christ.
Your gift today provides urgent aid—food, trauma counseling, rebuilding homes and churches, and discipleship resources—for those facing Christian persecution in Nigeria. Together, we can remind them they are not forgotten.
