NIGERIA — More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a vast humanitarian catastrophe, as a wave of religiously motivated violence nurtured in Nigeria has swept across the region, targeting Christian populations at an alarming rate in countries like Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali and Niger. Signs of jihadist expansion are also clearly visible in Mozambique , Congo DR and other countries. This is the disturbing finding of Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List.

Here’s how Islamic militant violence is spreading in the region.

Islamic extremist violence is spreading and intensifying across sub-Saharan Africa.The epicentre of these attacks is still Nigeria.

Why are more Christians killed in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world?

We saw how they banged the doors of the church and the pastor’s house and how fire was consuming the whole village.

Islamic extremist groups are increasing their assault on sub-Saharan Africa emboldened by the success of the Taliban in Afghanistan and shifting focus away from the Middle East after the defeat of so-called Islamic State in Iraq.

Of the 5,621 Christians killed for their faith in 2022, 89% were killed in Nigeria.

If the World Watch List just measured violent persecution, Nigeria would be number 1.

We ran and were displaced. The persecution was so much that I never imagined that we would come together again to worship in the church. The Christians realized that the attacks were against their faith. They were trying by all means to wipe us out.

About Open Doors UK

For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.

Read more news on Non-Profit / Faith-Based Organizations, and Christian Persecution.