THE NATIONAL CRISIS OF ANTI-CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA.
- Judith Nnakee
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Christian community across Nigeria is facing an alarming wave of violence with churches, priests, and worshippers becoming targets of kidnappings, shootings and massacres, leaving countless families mourning loved ones and communities living in fear.
This disturbing pattern is evident from Kaduna, in the North to Kwara, in the Central region, and Ondo, in the Southwest, where sanctuaries of peace are now under threat.
The Tragic Story of Venerable Edwin Achi
In October 28, 2025, the peaceful life of Ven. Edwin Achi, an Anglican priest, was brutally interrupted, when armed terrorists invaded his home in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The priest, his wife; Mrs. Sarah, who is a customs officer and their young daughter were abducted, with the attackers’ posting pictures of him online while demanding a ransom of Six hundred million naira.
A relative revealed that Ven. Achi may have been killed two days before the kidnappers posted photos of him online, indicating a cruel manipulation designed to extract even more ransom. The Diocese of Kaduna of the Anglican Communion formally announced his death on Wednesday, November 26th, while his wife, Sarah, and their daughter remain captive.
The kidnapping and murder of Ven. Achi is part of a broader pattern of violence in northern and central Nigeria, where clergy and religious leaders have gradually been targeted by armed groups.
This pattern of violence is evident in the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, where an evening prayer program resulted in at least two deaths and multiple kidnappings, including a pastor. The crisis is further marked by the devastating 2022 attack during Pentecost Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which tragically claimed 41 lives and involved numerous abductions.
A Nation at Risk
These attacks confirm a growing threat to Christian communities in Nigeria, from targeted kidnappings of a clergy to mass shootings in churches, with places of worship gradually becoming unsafe and families living in constant fear.
While general violence exists, the frequency and brutality of attacks specifically targeting Christian leaders and churches suggest that these communities are being singled out and targeted and the violence continues because these criminals and terrorists often operate without being caught or punished.
When kidnappers kill someone like Ven. Achi and still demand ransom with no consequences, it encourages other attackers to do the same, and people lose trust in the police and military. The overwhelming fear has triggered a mass movement of people from their communities, placing a huge strain on essential resources like food, shelter, and water, which often leads to increased conflict and fighting between different groups across the country.
How We Can Stay Safe
While we are forced to believe that the authorities are working towards bringing these attackers to justice, we can take steps to protect ourselves and reduce risks by;
1. Stay Informed and Aware
Consistently check reliable local news sources, community security group chats, and official alerts to stay current on kidnappings and attacks. Know the recent method of operation of the attackers in your area.
If a situation or person feels wrong, do not dismiss that feeling; leave the area immediately or change your plans.
2. Practice Secure Movement
Never leave your neighborhood or home without sharing your location, intended destination and expected time of return with family members or trusted friends. Use apps to share your live location if possible.
Unless it is absolutely essential and unavoidable, there is no reason to be outside of your home past 7pm. Limiting unnecessary nighttime movement reduces exposure to criminal elements operating under the cover of darkness.
Avoid using the exact same route, time, or means of transport every day, as predictability makes you an easier target for surveillance and abduction.
3. Prepare an Emergency Plan
Identify secure, defensible, or hidden locations within your home, place of worship, and immediate neighborhood.
Know and practice the quickest ways out of your home and away from your frequent locations.
Have immediate access to crucial phone numbers, including local police contacts, trusted neighbors, and medical services.
Report Suspicious Activity; Alert authorities immediately you see something suspicious.
ATTACHED BELOW IS THE STATE COMMAND'S CONTROL ROOM NUMBERS INCASE OF ANY EMERGENCY!!
THE WAVE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHRISTIANS CONSTITUTES A NATIONAL CRISIS THAT REQUIRES URGENT ACTION TO PROTECT LIVES AND ENSURE SAFETY FOR ALL CITIZENS, EMPHASIZING THE NEED FOR AWARENESS, VIGILANCE, AND STRONG COMMUNITY SUPPORT.