I’m A Victim Of Numerous Attacks On Christians In Northern Nigeria — Abel Damina

Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Abel Damina Ministries International, has raised a serious alarm regarding persistent attacks on Christians in Northern Nigeria, stating he has personally been a “victim of numerous gruesome attacks.”

He is strongly refuting claims that downplay the crisis, which many are calling a “Christian genocide.”

• Countering Government Claims: While some Nigerian officials attribute the violence solely to terrorism and resource conflicts, affecting both Muslims and Christians, Pastor Damina maintains that Christian persecution in the North predates both the rise of terrorism and the farmers-herders crisis.
• Recounted Incidents: He cited several harrowing personal experiences dating back decades, including the burning of his family’s church and home in Samaru, Zaria, during the 1980s (Maitatsine uprisings era). He also referenced major religious crises like the 2000 Kaduna riots and the 2003 Miss World riots.
• Near-Death Experience: He recalled narrowly escaping death during a Kaduna clash where a pastor friend, Rev. NorthCourt Andrew, was allegedly killed and buried by attackers who targeted him for wearing a collar.
• Lamenting Decades of Violence: Damina emphasized that these attacks, often accompanied by the shout of “Allahu Akbar,” have persisted for decades, targeting Christians and destroying lives and property.
• IDP Camps as Evidence: He questioned the need for numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in regions like Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Southern Kaduna if violence were not displacing entire Christian communities.

Pastor Damina thanked President Donald Trump for drawing international attention to the plight of persecuted Christians and urged the Nigerian government to act swiftly to restore security, allowing displaced persons to return to their homes and farmlands.