Christians in Nigeria approach Christmas amid fear of repeat of past violence

Christians in Nigeria are preparing to celebrate Christmas amid fears of renewed violence, similar to past attacks that claimed at least 160 lives in Nigeria’s Middle Belt during Christmas 2023 and dozens in northern Nigeria in 2022, according to international religious liberty advocates.

Following last year’s tragic events, when ignored warnings led to widespread bloodshed, alarm is growing over fresh threats in Plateau and Benue states, Open Doors reported on Dec. 16.

“There are rumors again this year of a repeat of last year’s violence,” a source in Plateau State told Open Doors, remaining anonymous. “People are afraid. The pain, heartbreak, and loss of trust from last year’s attacks still linger deeply in our communities.”

Samuel, a Christian from Kaduna in northern Nigeria, expressed similar concerns to International Christian Concern (ICC). After dozens of Christians were killed in his hometown during Christmas 2022, Samuel suspects many churches will now rely on security forces during services. However, he highlighted a lack of trust in security agencies, accusing some of being corrupt or complicit in attacks.

In 2023, suspected Fulani militants reportedly attacked 26 Christian villages in Plateau State between Dec. 23 and 25, killing at least 160 in a coordinated military-style assault. While some sources, including the Catholic News Agency, estimated the death toll at 198, no group has claimed responsibility. The attacks displaced over 5,000 Christians, burned eight churches, and killed two clerics, including a Baptist pastor and nine of his family members, Christianity Today reported.

Christmas has historically been a perilous time for Christians in Nigeria, who make up about 46% of the population. Past incidents include the 2012 Christmas Day bombings by Boko Haram in five northern cities, which killed and injured many. Although Boko Haram’s influence was curbed during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency in 2015, the group, along with militant Fulani and other violent factions, remains active.

Nigeria continues to be the deadliest country for Christians, with over 50,000 killed between 2009 and 2023. In 2023 alone, 4,998 Christians were killed for their faith globally, with more than 80% of those deaths occurring in Nigeria, according to Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List.

Despite the challenges, many Nigerian Christians remain hopeful and resilient. Open Doors shared the story of a congregation in Mangu, Plateau State, that worshipped in the ruins of their bombed church after a September 2023 attack blamed on Fulani militants. Singing in their Mwaghavul dialect, they declared, “Satan, you can’t make me compromise my faith,” and found strength in John 16:33, where Jesus assures his followers to be of good cheer despite tribulation, as He has overcome the world.