Concerns Over Christian Persecution in Nigeria
Judd Saul, founder of the organization Equip the Persecuted, expressed grave concerns about the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. He stated that mainstream media often denies or minimizes the extent of violence against Christians at the hands of Islamic extremists while the Nigerian government seemingly ignores these alarming events.
In a recent episode of “Relatable,” Saul shared the realities faced by Christians in Nigeria. He described the situation as a considerable and organized jihad aimed at persecuting Christians in the northern regions of the country.
Saul highlighted the radical factions within the Fulani group, which has significantly increased in numbers over the past thirty years. This surge aligns with their objective to dominate Nigeria and has resulted in some areas implementing Sharia law. Tension arose when they began advancing into the predominantly Christian southern region.
He pointed out that the Fulani’s ideology mirrors that of groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, advocating for harsh penalties against anyone, including other Muslims, who refuse to conform to their specific interpretation of Islam.
While some media outlets argue against the claim that Christians are facing genocide, Saul counters that the ratio of deaths is heavily skewed. “For every Muslim killed, five Christians are killed,” he noted. There are no reports of mosques being targeted or Muslim villages destroyed, whereas over 10,000 churches have been obliterated, and nearly 800 Christian communities have vanished completely from maps.
Adding to the bleak picture, Saul remarked on the Nigerian government’s seeming complicity in these violent acts, claiming that it’s funneled significant resources to maintain the status quo. Many have found themselves arrested for defending their villages, while attackers often roam free.
The gradual transition from Christianity to Islam in Nigeria is evident; once home to 70% Christians, the country now finds itself divided between the two faiths, driven by fear of persecution.
Funding for this radical Islamic movement comes from various sources. According to Saul, destabilization in the Middle East has resulted in increased resources flowing into Nigeria from foreign entities, including financial support for militant tribes. Notably, China is said to engage in illegal mining operations in formerly Christian regions, financing violence against communities to facilitate access to resources.
“This is how they fund their wars. More than 10,000 Christians are estimated to be held for ransom in terrorist camps,” Saul explained, describing how families have exhausted their savings in desperate hopes of reclaiming loved ones.
Despite the troubling reality, Saul is hopeful that this campaign against Christians can be halted. He encourages those interested to watch his recent discussions for more insights.
