The disturbing quiet surrounding the systematic violence against Christian communities in Nigeria is finally being broken as more Western observers overcome fear, indifference and lack of awareness about the atrocities occurring in Africa's most populous nation.
Fear Silences Nigerian Voices Abroad
Many Nigerians, including those living in Canada, remain too frightened to speak publicly against the jihadist extremists and other groups responsible for massacres during worship services and mass abductions. Non-governmental organizations estimate the violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and kidnappings across the country.
One Nigerian PhD law student in Canada, identified only as Vincent for safety reasons, initially agreed to speak on the record about the murders experienced by his family and friends over the past decade. However, after consulting relatives still in Nigeria, he urgently requested anonymity. His family fears violent reprisals if he speaks openly about the persecution.
Canadian Nigerian Community Lives in Fear
This climate of intimidation extends to Canada's growing Nigerian community, which now represents the country's fourth largest cohort of new immigrants with more than 110,000 people. Attempts to interview Nigerian pastors in Metro Vancouver have failed, despite previous successful discussions about their vibrant worship services.
Each year, thousands of Nigerians seek asylum in Canada specifically to escape religious persecution, highlighting the severity of the situation in their homeland. Nigeria's population of approximately 280 million people is roughly equally divided between Christians and Muslims, making the targeted violence particularly concerning.
Recent Atrocities Draw International Condemnation
The issue gained renewed international attention in late November 2025 when Pope Leo XIV pleaded for the immediate release of over 300 students and teachers abducted by gunmen on motorcycles from a Nigerian Catholic school. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined the condemnation, speaking out against the renewed violence targeting Christian communities.
This incident follows the coordinated 2022 attack on a Catholic church where gunmen killed 50 worshippers during a service, demonstrating the brazen nature of the violence against religious gatherings.
Western Media Attention Finally Growing
For years, Western media and publics have largely ignored the persecution of both Christians and moderate Muslims in Nigeria. The reasons remain complex and troubling—whether due to Nigeria's politically controlled media outlets, Western disinterest in African affairs, or lack of strategic partnership with the country.
However, this fall has marked a turning point as Christian persecution in Africa finally receives more substantial coverage and international concern, potentially signaling the end of what many have called a strange and troubling silence.
