Over 7,000 Christians Killed Thus Far in 2025
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Over 7,000 Christians Killed Thus Far in 2025

Pallbearers are carrying a beautifully decorated white casket.
Persecuted believers in Nigeria are familiar with grief. 
Photo: Evangelical Church Winning All

Reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria continue to multiply, with attacks from multiple sources surging in both frequency and intensity. According to a report released on August 10th, more than 7,000 Nigerian Christians had been killed within the first 220 days of 2025 – an average of 32 deaths per day. Additionally, at least 7,800 followers of Jesus were abducted for their faith, more than 19,000 churches have been destroyed, and over 1,100 Christian communities are now dealing with displacement in the aftermath of these attacks.

While the danger stems from various sources, the majority of attacks were perpetrated by Boko Haram jihadists and radical Fulani herdsmen. On August 24th, for instance, two Christians were killed when Fulani militants ambushed a group of farmers in Benue State. A similar incident took place on August 27th in Bauchi State. When five Christians went to check on their farms, they encountered a group of Fulani herdsmen who were using their land to graze cattle. The Christian farmers were attacked, resulting in one of them being killed and three others injured.

Three days later, on August 30th, five believers who had been working on their farms in Borno State were killed by Boko Haram militants. The next day, members of Boko Haram attacked the village of Mussa during the night, killing three Christians who were asleep at the time of the invasion.

While such incidents of violence continue to be reported daily, the relentless stream of devastating attacks against Nigerian Christians can regrettably lead to a sense of complacency among those personally unaffected by religious persecution. Yet, may the touching stories of believers whose lives are being directly affected – including the many faithful followers of Christ who are responding to their attackers with the hope of the Gospel – be used by God to reignite a renewed fervency for greatly needed prayerful support.

To learn how the Lord is powerfully working through His faithful followers in Nigeria, you may view our recently recorded video interview with the founders of Christian Faith Ministries: Nigeria: Attacks on Christians in Benue State. For additional reports and videos, please go to our country profile.

  • Pray that God will continue to guide and bless the efforts of Nigerian believers who are faithfully demonstrating His love, hope and peace to others in need of eternal salvation by sharing the Gospel message, even in the midst of ongoing persecution and hardship.
  • May believers around the world be moved to support our Nigerian family in Christ through unceasing prayer, advocacy and practical humanitarian aid.
  • Ask the Lord to comfort all those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, minister healing to survivors recovering from physical injuries and trauma, mightily intervene on behalf of Christians held in captivity by Islamic militants, and provide greatly needed help and restoration to displaced believers who have lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the violence.
  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    230,842,743 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

    Leader
    President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nigeria

    May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

Nigeria News