Persecuted Christians in Nigeria “are not alone”: Catholic Charity Gives Assurance Amid Reported Violence, Displacement

John Pontifex of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in the United Kingdom expressed solidarity with Nigerian Christians facing killings, abductions, and displacement. Speaking to ACI Africa on October 28, Pontifex addressed the launch of the ACN report titled Persecuted and Forgotten, which covers the years 2024 to 2026.

Pontifex stated that Christian persecution in Nigeria has increased significantly, particularly in the Middle Belt region. He noted that violence against these communities accounts for a large portion of the millions of internally displaced persons in the country. He expressed concern that displaced Christians remain vulnerable to further violence in temporary shelters.

As an example of this ongoing insecurity, Pontifex cited an attack in Yelwata, Benue State. In that instance, reports indicated that victims were burned to death in their shelters, while others were attacked with machetes while attempting to flee.