Pastor’s Journey To Conference Ends Horrifically
Gunmen tragically took the life of Reverend Manasseh Ibrahim, a devoted pastor affiliated with the Evangelical Church Winning All, as he journeyed to a church conference in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This distressing event serves as a stark reminder of the persistent violence aimed at the Christian community in the area. The incident, which was documented by the International Christian Concern on April 23rd, adds to the troubling series of assaults against Christians in Kaduna State.
Yahaya Kinge, the chairperson of the local Christian Association of Nigeria branch, voiced deep frustration regarding the Nigerian government’s failure to address the continuous killings of innocent Christians in Kaduna State. Despite the numerous acts of violence perpetrated by various extremist factions, the government’s response has often been deemed insufficient.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) provided alarming figures, indicating that no less than 8,222 Christians lost their lives across Nigeria between January 2023 and January 2024. Furthermore, assaults on churches have been widespread, with 500 places of worship targeted in 2023 alone, contributing to a staggering total of 18,500 churches attacked since 2009.
Advocates for Christian human rights have accused the Nigerian government of neglecting the religious dimensions of the violence and failing to offer adequate protection to its populace. They have urged international entities, such as the U.S. State Department, to classify Nigeria as a nation of particular concern due to the extensive religious persecution and its devastating repercussions on Christian communities.
In light of these distressing trends, there has been a mounting chorus of calls for urgent action to tackle the underlying causes of the violence and to guarantee the safety and security of Christians in Nigeria. However, the situation remains dire, with ongoing attacks and a lack of effective governmental intervention perpetuating the cycle of violence and insecurity for vulnerable religious minorities.