Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

October 2021 – According to a report released July 18 by the International Society of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, 2021 has been a record year of bloodshed for persecuted Christians in Nigeria. With 3,462 Christians murdered by Islamic Jihadists in the first six months of 2021, the current Nigerian genocide is almost equal to the total number (3,530) of Christians killed there in 2020.

Fulani Herdsmen are responsible for a large majority of the murders, but Boko Haram and other Muslim militant groups contributed to the death count. In addition, approximately 300 Nigerian churches have been harassed, closed, or destroyed in the first six months of 2021. And at least 10 pastors or priests were abducted or killed as well.

In early June, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned about the rising toll of persecution in the west African nation.

“What is happening to Christians in Nigeria warrants serious action,” wrote Pompeo. “If the problem is allowed to persist, it will only spread and become worse throughout Africa and around the world. The killing must end.”

aclj.org, 6/8/21; thenigerianvoice.com, 7/18/21