Rising Christian Persecution: Deadly Attacks in Nigeria, and Threats in Mauritania - Faith & Freedom News

By Michael D Butler

Published: April 25, 2025

Global Persecution Watch: Examining Recent Attacks on Christian Communities

The persecution of Christians continues to escalate in several regions around the world, with particularly alarming incidents recently documented in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Mauritania. These events highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Christian minorities in regions where religious freedom remains severely restricted.

Nigeria: Over 100 Christians Killed in Targeted Attacks

Plateau State in central Nigeria has become an epicenter of violence against Christians, with approximately 130 believers killed in multiple attacks over the past month. These systematic assaults, attributed to Fulani militant groups, have devastated numerous communities and displaced thousands.

Timeline of Recent Violence

The wave of violence began on March 23rd when three Christian men were ambushed and killed while traveling home from Kwall in Bassa County. Within 24 hours, another believer, Dumba Yohanna, was brutally murdered in the community of Nzharuvo, while another Christian narrowly escaped. On April 2nd, Dewi Terry Nah from Nzharuvo was stabbed to death by militants.

The situation escalated dramatically on April 2nd and 3rd when what Governor Caleb Muftwang described as “genocide” claimed more than 60 Christian lives across seven communities in Bokkos County. The village of Hurti suffered catastrophic losses with over 40 people killed and nearly 400 homes destroyed, displacing more than 1,000 residents. In the village of Ruwi, 11 Christians were killed while attending a wake, with 10 more bodies discovered the following morning.

The bloodshed continued in Bassa County, where three Christians from Hwrra village were attacked on April 7th. On Palm Sunday (April 13th), militants raided the hamlet of Zike, resulting in at least 49 more Christian deaths.

Understanding the Violence

While some attribute these attacks to resource conflicts between farmers and herders, Governor Muftwang has explicitly labeled them as “genocide sponsored by terrorists.” His pointed question—”Who are the persons behind the organizers of this terrorism?”—underscores the complex and potentially coordinated nature of these assaults.

Pakistan: Christian Couple Attacked at Gunpoint

On March 25th, Pakistani Christians Adnan Masih and his wife Shumaila experienced horrific violence when intercepted by armed assailants while returning home by motorcycle. After robbing the couple, the attackers escalated to physical violence when they identified them as Christians.

The situation turned even more tragic when the attackers summoned a third accomplice. They restrained Adnan using the drawstring from his own clothing while dragging Shumaila to a nearby sugarcane field, where all three men assaulted her. The attackers threatened to kill the couple if they reported the incident.

Despite their trauma, Adnan and Shumaila courageously reported the crime the following day. Police subsequently arrested the perpetrators—Rana Sher Ali, Muhammad Faisal, and Hadayat Ali—who remain in custody awaiting trial. The couple has received financial and legal support.

This incident reflects the broader discrimination faced by Christians in Pakistan, where they are frequently regarded as second-class citizens and encounter systemic bias in the legal system, though recent court rulings have shown some positive shifts.

Mauritania: Christians Face Community Threats After Burial Controversy

Religious tensions erupted in the southern Mauritanian city of Sélibaby on April 7th when Muslim imams organized a demonstration against local Christians. The protest, authorized by local authorities, was triggered by the burial of a Christian convert who had recently died in a motorcycle accident. Some Muslim leaders objected to the burial of someone they considered an “apostate” within their community.

The situation escalated dramatically when protestors:

Issued threats against Christians both in person and via social media
Called for action against community “infidels”
Demanded the burning of Christian homes
Exhumed the deceased Christian’s body and dragged it through the streets before reburying it 20 kilometers away

Though physical tensions eased by evening, hate speech and threats continued online, with calls for complete social ostracism of Christians. Some Christian leaders have been warned by their own relatives to avoid contact due to safety concerns.

These events occur in a country where apostasy from Islam remains legally punishable by death. While rarely enforced, this law creates an atmosphere of fear and emboldens extremist actions against religious minorities.

The Broader Context of Christian Persecution

These incidents represent just a snapshot of the challenges facing Christians in regions where religious minorities face discrimination, violence, and legal restrictions. The patterns of violence often reflect deeper social, political, and religious tensions:

Targeted Violence: In Nigeria, attacks appear systematically directed at Christian communities, suggesting religious motivation beyond resource disputes.
Legal Discrimination: In countries like Mauritania, laws against apostasy create environments where persecution can flourish with minimal consequences for perpetrators.
Social Vulnerability: Christians in Pakistan face both random violence and systemic discrimination that limits their access to justice and equal protection.
Community Displacement: The destruction of homes and villages in Nigeria has created a humanitarian crisis with thousands displaced specifically because of their religious identity.

Supporting Persecuted Christians

Faith & Freedom News FFN monitoring religious freedom continues to document these incidents while providing support to affected communities. Their work highlights the importance of:

Accurate documentation of persecution incidents
Legal and financial support for victims
International advocacy for religious freedom
Prayer and awareness campaigns
Community rebuilding efforts

As these situations develop, continued monitoring and support remain essential for vulnerable Christian communities in these regions.

This blog is dedicated to raising awareness about the persecution of Christians worldwide and advocating for religious freedom for all people regardless of faith. Sources for this report include Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, Middle East Concern, Open Doors, British Asian Christian Association, and local media outlets.