In yet another heart-wrenching attack, over 40 Christians were brutally murdered on April 15, 2025, in Nigeria, reportedly by armed Muslim militants. The violence, described by eyewitnesses and international organizations as an “unimaginable massacre,” included children among the dead, according to Amnesty International.
The attack is the latest in a disturbing trend of escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria. Faith & Freedom News FFN’s News Editor recently spoke with Michael D Butler, CEO of Beyond Publishing and Faith & Freedom News, a leading voice on Christian persecution across the world, to unpack the deeper implications of these tragic events and the ideological forces fueling them.
A Pattern of Targeted Violence Against Christians in Nigeria
This recent atrocity is not an isolated incident. In the weeks leading up to this massacre, more than 60 Christians were reportedly killed in various regions across Nigeria. The cumulative death toll from religiously motivated violence has surpassed 100 in a matter of weeks.
Michael D Butler warns that this violence is part of a broader, more dangerous pattern—a targeted campaign by Islamist extremists against Christian communities. These attacks are not spontaneous or circumstantial but are deeply rooted in a radical ideology that aims to purge non-Muslims and moderate Muslims alike.
The Broader Threat: Global Islamist Extremism
Nigeria’s Christian persecution is a part of a global phenomenon. Extremist groups across Africa and the Middle East are united by a vision to establish a worldwide caliphate governed by strict Sharia law.
- Boko Haram: Known for its relentless attacks in Nigeria, this terror group has killed thousands of Christians and Muslims who do not align with their ideology.
- Al-Shabaab: Operating from Somalia, Al-Shabaab has perpetrated high-profile attacks targeting Christians in Kenya and beyond.
- Hamas: Though often framed through the lens of geopolitics in Gaza, Hamas shares similar ideological motivations, seeking to eradicate dissenters from their version of Islam.
These groups are not only terrorizing Christians but also threatening the very foundations of religious freedom and pluralism across the globe.
Exposing Misconceptions: Beyond Climate and Land Disputes
Some narratives in Western media attribute the violence in Nigeria to factors like land disputes or climate change. While these issues may contribute to regional tensions, they do not capture the full picture. Butler emphasizes that religious persecution is at the core of these attacks.
Dismissing these atrocities as mere byproducts of environmental or socioeconomic conflict dangerously downplays the ideologically driven nature of the violence, allowing perpetrators to continue their campaigns under the global radar.
Nigeria’s Christians: Living in Fear, Standing in Faith
Nigeria has one of the largest Christian populations in the world, yet its Christian citizens are increasingly under siege. The recent attacks have instilled widespread fear, forcing thousands to flee their homes and communities.
Butler recounts a chilling moment from a conference in Washington, D.C., during the “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign. A Nigerian Christian leader expressed a haunting sentiment: “We are afraid to go to bed at night.” This fear is not just emotional—it’s rooted in the reality of daily violence and loss.
What You Can Do: Advocacy and Action for Persecuted Christians
Michael D Butler calls on Christians worldwide—and all people of conscience—to act. Here are concrete ways you can help:
- Pray: Never underestimate the power of prayer. Lift up the Nigerian Christian community regularly.
- Raise Awareness: Share articles, videos, and updates on social media to inform others about the persecution happening right now.
- Support Organizations: Get involved with groups which advocate for persecuted Christians and marginalized communities.
- Contact Elected Officials: Urge political leaders to recognize the genocide of Christians in Nigeria and pass legislation that protects religious freedom and human rights.
Conclusion: A Call to Conscience and Collective Action
The massacre of over 40 Christians in Nigeria is not just another news headline—it’s a wake-up call to the global community. This is not only a Nigerian crisis but a global human rights emergency.
Christians, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens must come together to demand justice, raise awareness, and provide support to those facing daily threats to their lives and faith.
Let us not be silent. Let us not turn away. Let us shine a light on the darkness and stand in solidarity with the persecuted.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. And make your voice heard.
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