Christian persecution is taking its toll on the Nigeria’s Christian community, with more churches and Christian institutions reportedly being forced to close their doors as a direct result of religious and community-based violence. News stories on the abuses against Christians in Nigeria are seldom covered by mainstream media outlets and rather are found only in underground publications funded by Christian groups in their local newsletters and online sites. Often, such news reports on Christians being targeted for their faith come just days after a church is vandalized or burnt down, further exacerbating the sense of insecurity. There have also been several instances of Christians being abducted and forcibly converted to Islam, often through threats and intimidation. This latest form of religious persecution is taking its toll on the thousands of Christian women and girls in Nigeria who are trapped in remote areas where there is no safety either in the town or rural areas.
With millions of Christians still displaced and millions more struggling for their lives in marginal environments, many people, especially Nigerians, are trying to find ways to help these distressed communities build a more secure future.
Several non-governmental organizations (NAN, ICM, etc.), and Christian groups are trying to help these poor souls by organizing street demonstrations demanding protection for the Christians in Nigeria.
Most notable among these NAN’s activities are organized marches, which are being used to draw attention to the escalating abuses against the Christian communities in Nigeria.
Christian leaders claim that the government is not doing enough to curb the tide of violence against the Christian communities in Nigeria. President Jonathan Pastafado had previously stated that “Nigeria has to look for ways to address the problem of the Christians who have faced abuses and violations in the name of religion in the country,” adding that “a comprehensive policy towards protecting the rights of the people irrespective of religion should be formulated immediately.” However, despite these statements, no concrete action has yet been taken against the Christian citizens who have experienced ethnic cleansing and other violations of their human rights, for centuries. The worsening condition of the communal tensions, such as the recent incidents of communal and religious murders in Nigeria, is forcing the government and the people to take more drastic measures to curb the worsening situation. To ensure safety and security for the Christian community in Nigeria and abroad, various non-government organizations are working on various projects to prevent and rehabilitate the Christian communities, against religious and cultural persecution.
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