Why is Nigeria the deadliest place for Christians? | Christian Solidarity Podcast | Ep. 3

Description

Nigeria is the deadliest country in the world to be a Christian. But about half of Nigerians identify as Christian, and the persecution is not perpetrated by the state. What has made Nigeria so dangerous? In this episode of the Christian Solidarity Podcast, Abi McDougal and Joel Veldkamp introduce the dire situation for Christians in Nigeria. The discussion explores the historical context of persecution, the nature of violence against Christians, and powerful stories of faith from Nigerians impacted. The conversation highlights the different regional trends of violence seen in the northeast versus the Middle Belt. In outlining the situation of the northeast, Joel shares the story of Father Alphonsus Afina, a local leader in Borno State who was kidnapped by Boko Haram, in the context of targeted attacks on clergy. Looking south toward the Middle Belt, they recount how Fulani militants have carried out series of deadly attacks on Christian villages in Plateau State during what Joel calls "slow-motion ethnic cleansing." Joel and Abi also touch on the history of ethnic hierarchies in the country, the entanglement of colonialism and missionary work, and the international response to these issues. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Christian Solidarity International Theme music by Matt & Katie Gustafson ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related resources from CSI on Nigeria: https://www.csi-int.org/project-countries/nigeria/ To learn about CSI's other partnerships and advocacy work, visit our website: https://www.csi-int.org 0:00 Intro 1:42 Forgiveness after devastation 5:20 Regional trends in violence 8:30 History of ethnic hierarchy 11:50 Fr. Afina's story 19:04 Plateau State village attacks 23:55 International response 28:30 What can be done now? 30:58 Closing