Summary
A new wave of armed attacks against Christian communities in north-central Nigeria, particularly affecting Catholic religious and healthcare facilities, has once again highlighted the country’s ongoing security issues. On February 1 to 2, 2023, an unnamed group carried out coordinated assaults across multiple locations under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Kontagora. The attacks included a convent linked to a Catholic clinic, diocesan healthcare facilities, and Christian temples in Niger State. Nuns at the Catholic clinic managed to take shelter while other structures were looted or set on fire. After the incidents, assailants intercepted vehicles causing fatalities and kidnappings. These actions have led to forced displacements of communities already living in extreme vulnerability without medical care. The Nigerian federal government denies specific religious motivations for these attacks but acknowledges a complex mix of factors contributing to the violence. Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have warned about systematic elimination efforts against Christians, with reports indicating thousands killed and churches destroyed since 2009’s Islamist insurgency. Church leaders and international observers view these events as indicative of a broader strategy of terror targeting Christian communities in certain regions.
Key Topics
Niger State, Christian communities, armed attacks
