disaster
What’s the truth about violence against Christians in Nigeria?
By Katie O'Malley at Mission Network News
· July 15, 2026
· 5 min read
Nigeria (MNN) — Is violence against Christians in Nigeria random, or is it targeted? A new study from the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) has brought in more data. The six-year study of nearly 80,000 killings in Nigeria found that Christians are disproportionately targeted by viole
Key takeaway The six-year study of nearly 80,000 killings in Nigeria found that Christians are disproportionately targeted by violent groups.
Why this matters
The findings of the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa study have significant implications for international responses to violence in Nigeria. By challenging the narrative that violence affects everyone equally, Reverend Yunusa Nmadu highlights the need for nuanced understanding of the conflict dynamics at play. The disproportionate targeting of Christians by Fulani militias and other violent groups demands a tailored approach to protection and support. The fact that Fulani militias are responsible for nearly four times as many civilian deaths as Boko Haram and ISWAP combined suggests that current policies may be misallocated. As Reverend Nmadu notes, false narratives can have real-world consequences, shaping international policies and determining whether vulnerable communities receive the support they need. The study's findings should prompt a reevaluation of humanitarian efforts and faith-based giving in Nigeria, with a focus on addressing the specific needs of Christian communities under attack.
About this story
Original reporting by Mission Network News . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: Mission Network News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Nigeria (MNN) — Is violence against Christians in Nigeria random, or is it targeted? A new study from the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) has brought in more data. The six-year study of nearly 80,000 killings in Nigeria found that Christians are disproportionately targeted by viole
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by Mission Network News and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Katie O'Malley at Mission Network News. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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