In Nigeria, Christians represent 46.2% of the population, but they face systemic discrimination, violence, and persecution every day. The situation has become increasingly unlivable for them because of the terrorist group Boko Haram, whose insurgency has displaced nearly 2.9 million people. Also, many priests have been kidnapped or murdered and the Christian population is being treated as second-class citizens.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, IT IS TIME TO SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Religious persecution in Nigeria is real and growing.
In an interview with Sky News Australia host Gabriella Power - which has already been viewed more than 500,000 times — Aid to the Church in Need Australia and New Zealand National Director Bernard Toutounji describes the scale of violence and government denial surrounding targeted attacks on Christians.
You can click below to watch it.
There are over 100 million Christians in Nigeria
Priests kidnapped or murdered in Nigeria in 2022...
28 Kidnapped priests
4 murdered priests
Photo: Father Father Félix, who was kidnapped by unknown assailants on March 24, 2022. During his captivity, he was subjected to daily mistreatment, and was even shot in the left foot. Despite receiving no medical treatment, Fr. Felix managed to survive until his release on May 3, 2022, after a ransom was paid. He was promptly transported to a Catholic hospital in Wusasa, Zaria, where he underwent treatment for the next three months.
Deborah Samuel murdered for a text message
Deborah Samuel Yakubu was a student at the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, northern Nigeria. In May of 2022, she was accused of having sent a blasphemous WhatsApp message about Mohammed (a central figure for the Islam) during Ramadan (fasting and prayer period for Muslims), while the college was closed for holidays. When she returned to class, a group of students was waiting and attacked her. They threw stones at her and then set fire to her body. After two people were arrested for her murder, groups of rioters attacked Christian sites in different places in the state capital
As Christians, we have a duty to support our brothers and sisters in faith who are suffering.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been working tirelessly to support the local Church in Nigeria and to help those who have been persecuted and traumatized. From trauma centers for healing to sturdy cars for priests ministering in dangerous regions.
Testimonies
Hope for persecuted Christians in Nigeria starts with you.
Your generosity can change lives. By donating you can make a difference and bring hope to those in need. Your support will go towards providing comfort, security, and a brighter future to those who need it most.
OUR PROJECTS
Support for the wounded and traumatised
Provide reliable transport for priests ministering in an unsafe region.
Addressing security challenges threatening the safety of religious sisters.
Support for internally displaced people
Re-building of Churches destroyed by attacks