Rising killings and abductions, prolonged displacement and continuing insecurity are eroding the Christian presence in parts of northern and north-central Nigeria, according to a research brief recently released by Open Doors, Christian Daily International reported.
The research report, “Nigeria at the Crossroads — Is There a Future for Nigeria’s Displaced Church?” focuses on two possible futures for the country. “Violence and impunity could deepen displacement, or stronger government action backed by sustained international engagement could create conditions for displaced communities to return home,” Christian Daily noted.
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While Christian communities reportedly continue to be severely affected by the violence, attacks are also increasingly affecting Muslims. The brief describes conflicts shaped by religious, ethnic, economic and environmental factors and involving Fulani militant groups, Islamic extremist rebel group Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Much of its analysis draws on data collected by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa. ORFA’s six-year study combines information gathered by researchers and local partners with data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project.
Civilian killings rose sharply during the final three months of 2025. The brief records 1,735 civilian deaths between October and December, compared with 1,148 during the same period in 2024, an increase of 51 percent.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Jim Olang and originally published by Christian Daily International.
