Nigeria, Africa’s most populated nation, is a land of vibrant culture, vast resources, and a people with deep faith. But beneath the beauty and richness lies a painful divide that has cost thousands of lives: the ongoing conflict between Christians and Islamist extremists.
For decades now, extremist groups like Boko Haram and factions linked to ISIS have unleashed terror, targeting churches, burning villages, and abducting believers. In the northern and middle-belt regions especially, Christians live under constant fear. Many families have had to choose between denying their faith or facing death — and yet, countless believers have stood strong, declaring like Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
At the heart of it, this is not just a political struggle. It’s a spiritual battle. While analysts speak of land disputes, tribal differences, and power struggles, Christians see the deeper picture: the devil’s attempt to silence the Gospel in a nation that has sent some of the world’s greatest missionaries across the globe.
And yet — the Church is not silent. Across Nigeria, prayer vigils are rising. Believers are gathering under the shadow of burned church roofs, lifting their voices to God for deliverance, for revival, and for the salvation of even their persecutors. Their resilience is a testimony: Christianity is not dying in Nigeria; it is thriving under fire.
At the same time, Muslim leaders who oppose extremism are also speaking out, saying: “This is not Islam, this is terrorism.” This shows us that the real war is not Christian against Muslim, but Light against Darkness.
What can we do? First, we pray — earnestly, consistently, with tears for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Second, we speak — raising awareness so the world does not turn a blind eye. Third, we support — through missions, aid, and advocacy.
The blood of the martyrs has always been the seed of the Church. Nigeria today is proving this again. The enemy may try to silence the witness of Christ, but every drop of blood cries louder than bullets: Jesus is Lord, even in Nigeria.
