“People are scared” – Christians in Nigeria fearful of Christmas attacks

Your urgent prayers are needed as rumours circulate of yet more attacks on Christians in Nigeria over Christmas.

Many Christians in Nigeria are fearful of fresh attacks over Christmas, a year after militants attacked numerous Christian communities in Plateau State and killed at least 160 people.

According to Open Doors sources on the ground, last year’s attacks followed rumours of an imminent attack on Christians in the area. However, given that there was no clear evidence to verify the reports, Christians continued to prepare for Christmas as normal, only for tragedy to strike on Christmas Eve, when suspected Fulani militants attacked 25 villages in a coordinated, military-style assault.

“This year again, there are stories going around that there will be a repeat of last year,” says a source in Plateau State. “People are scared. What happened to Christians was painful – it caused a lot of heartbreak and distrust in our communities.” 

Christians in Benue State, just south of Plateau State, are equally fearful. Despite the state being mostly Christian, militant violence has displaced thousands, with many living in makeshift shelters that leave them vulnerable to further attacks.

Bravery at the burnt church

Despite recent attacks, and the ongoing threat of further violence, Christians in Nigeria continue to stand strong in their faith, as epitomised by a recent thanksgiving service in Mangu, Plateau State.

On 8 September 2023, Fulani militants attacked, killed and displaced Christians in the community. To mark a year since the tragedy, 280 people returned to their home village for a service at their burnt church. Even amidst the threat of further attacks, they sang and danced. “Satan you can’t make me compromise my faith, one day God will deliver us as He did the Israelites,” they sang in their local Mwaghavul dialect.

The pastor preached from John 16:33, encouraging his congregation to be hopeful, courageous and resilient. “In this world, they will keep facing persecution and tribulation, but be of good cheer, God has overcome the world,” he said.

Throughout the service, people were emotional, remembering the pain of losing loved ones whilst being encouraged to not give up. To get there, some worshippers travelled more than an hour on foot. Many still live in displacement camps where the conditions are awful. They long to return to their homes.

Please join us in praising God for the remarkable resilience of our persecuted family in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, and please remember them in your prayers throughout the forthcoming festive season. Thank you!