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| Terrorist kidnaps two Christians and Baptist Pastor in Nigeria |
In yet another horrifying incident, the scourge of terrorism has once again cast its dark shadow over Nigeria's Christian communities. On the fateful night of Friday, August 25th, in Kaduna state, Nigeria, two Christians were abducted by terrorists, just days after a Baptist pastor lost his life in a heinous act of violence.
The victims of this recent abduction were identified as Yusha'u Peter and Joshua Peter, who were both employed as staff members at St. Luke's Anglican Hospital in the community of Wusasa, Zaria. Isiyaku Ibrahim, a local community leader, described the incident as a nighttime invasion by ruthless terrorists. He recounted the terrifying event, revealing that the brothers were seized at approximately 9 pm.
What makes this tragedy even more heart-wrenching is that it follows closely on the heels of another kidnapping - that of the brothers' father in Ikara, Kaduna state. The terrorists seem to have made this area their hunting ground, repeatedly targeting innocent citizens with their attacks and abductions. Sadly, this recent incident is not an isolated one; it comes after the loss of two Christian lives in similar attacks in the same community.
The two brothers had initially sought refuge in Zaria after their father's abduction, highlighting the pervasive fear and insecurity that has gripped these regions.
Tragedy struck on August 23rd when Reverend Jeremiah Mayau, a 61-year-old pastor of Tawaliu Baptist Church in Ungwan Mission, Kujama, Chikun County, was brutally shot to death. According to area resident Matthew Audu, Rev. Mayau was mercilessly attacked while working on his farm, with a gunshot to the head ending his life tragically.
The Christian Association of Nigeria's (CAN) Kaduna State Chapter, led by Rev. Joseph John Hayab, also denounced the assailants as terrorists. Rev. Hayab condemned the incident as a barbaric act and called upon security agencies to intensify their efforts in curtailing criminal activities within the state. He expressed the pain and frustration felt by many citizens when confronted with the reality of gunmen operating freely in broad daylight, perpetrating such heinous acts.
Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident. On August 9th, terrorists claimed the life of Gloria Isa, a Christian woman who was attacked and killed in her own home in the Ungwan Rana area of Kujama while she slept.
These grim incidents paint a bleak picture of the security situation in Nigeria, especially for its Christian population. In 2022, Nigeria earned the unfortunate distinction of leading the world in the number of Christians killed for their faith, with a staggering 5,014 lives lost, as reported by Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List. Additionally, the country topped the list in Christians abducted, sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married, physically or mentally abused, and had the most faith-based property attacks. Nigeria also ranked second for church attacks and the displacement of people within its borders due to these acts of violence.
The 2023 World Watch List, which ranks countries based on the challenges faced by Christians, saw Nigeria climb to sixth place, its highest ever ranking, up from seventh in the previous year. This highlights the worsening conditions for Christians in the country.
The situation is exacerbated by the presence of various militant groups, including the Fulani, Boko Haram, and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who relentlessly target Christian communities, perpetrating acts of violence such as killings, maiming, rape, and abductions for ransom or sexual slavery. Alarmingly, this violence has extended to Nigeria's Christian-majority southern regions, creating a nationwide crisis.
Despite the clear evidence of religious persecution, Nigeria's government continues to deny the problem, allowing these violations of Christians' rights to occur with impunity.
The Fulani, predominantly Muslim, make up a significant portion of Nigeria's population and are divided into various clans with different ideological views. While most Fulani are not extremists, some have adopted radical Islamist beliefs and tactics similar to Boko Haram and ISWAP. These extremist factions deliberately target Christians and symbols of Christian identity, as highlighted in a 2020 report by the United Kingdom's All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG).
Christian leaders in Nigeria have pointed out that the attacks on Christian communities by herdsmen in Nigeria's Middle Belt are driven by their desire to forcibly seize Christian-owned lands and impose Islam. These attacks are often linked to the challenges faced by the Fulani due to desertification, making it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
As we reflect on these tragic events, it is crucial for both national and international authorities to acknowledge the severity of the situation in Nigeria and take immediate steps to protect the lives and rights of its Christian population. The global community must stand united in condemning such acts of violence and working towards a future where all citizens, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and security.
