How much do Christians in the West know about Nigeria? Do we remember that it is Africa’s largest country? Are we aware of its enormous economic significance? Most importantly, do we know that another genocide against Christians appears to be going place there right now?

186 million women, men, and children live in Nigeria. Christians account for 86 million people or 46% of the population. This West African powerhouse is Africa’s top economic performance year after year. It is also a major regional force, capable of stabilising – or destabilising – the countries that surround it, such as Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

At the same time, Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria today, with widespread murder, horrific maiming, gang rape, and victims being burned alive in their homes and churches.

The world has seen two unambiguous cases of genocidal massacres in the last six years. The first was carried out by Daesh against religious minorities such as Christians and Yazidis in Syria and Iraq. The second occurred in Myanmar, where the Burmese military carry out genocide against Rohingya Muslims and other religious minorities. Nonetheless, there are developing stations where mass crimes may occur and be ignored. Nigeria is one such case.

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) started a preliminary investigation into the situation in Nigeria on November 18, 2010. The preliminary investigation came after the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) received various messages alleging mass crimes committed by Boko Haram insurgents located in Nigeria.

The OTP recognised six probable examples where Boko Haram committed crimes against humanity and two situations where Nigerian security forces committed such crimes after identifying several points that need further investigation. Boko Haram is one of the six examples.

1. Killing non-believers;
2. Recruitment and use of child soldiers;
3. Attacks on schools and other educational buildings, as well as attacks against students and teachers;
4. The intentional targeting of religious buildings, such as churches and mosques.
5. Kidnappings, abductions, and imprisonment of civilians, as well as murder, torture, and inhuman and degrading treatment;
6. Attacks on women and girls;

Another homicidal faction is known as the “Fulani Herdsmen,” which sounds innocent. Attempts to confiscate land on which they sought to graze their cattle were initially blamed for their violence. The Fulanis ‘ extremist aims have been abundantly exposed thanks to mounting proof of murder, terrible brutality, and Islamist doctrine.  

Indeed, on June 15, 2020, the United Kingdom’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG) released a report on the Fulani militia’s mass atrocities in Nigeria.

According to the article “Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?” However, thousands of people are said to have been slain in Fulani herder attacks and retaliatory bloodshed. According to the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust, over 1,000 Christians were slain between January and November 2019.