Crushed but not defeated

In several areas in Northern Nigeria, the Christian presence has become virtually extinct or substantially diminished while
in other areas church congregations have grown due to an influx of Christians fleeing violence and a number of Muslims
converting to Christianity.
To add to this, social cohesion between Muslims and Christians has been severely affected. Mutual trust has disappeared
and Muslims and Christians have become increasingly separate groups, clustering together in town suburbs and
distinguished rural areas.
The report shows that even though ethnicity, political conflict and strive for resources are known sources of violence
in Northern Nigeria, the sources of violence against Christians in Northern Nigeria have been proven to be much more
diverse. There can be religious, political, economic and social undertones at the same time. Drivers of targeted violence
against Christians in Northern Nigeria are connected through a common religious denominator: defending northern
Muslims’ interests, Muslim identity and the position of Islam. Not just radical Islam, Boko Haram being the most notable
example, but also Muslim Hausa-Fulani herdsmen and the Northern Muslim political and religious elite are also major
actors of targeted violence towards the Christian minority.
The report’s conclusions can be summarized as follows:
1. Christians in Northern Nigeria face violence from different sides;
2. A minimum of 9,000-11,500 Christians have been killed;
3. 1.3 million Christians have become internally displaced or forced to relocate elsewhere, since 2000;
4. Many churches have seen a steep decline in their memberships, 13,000 churches have been closed or destroyed
altogether;
5. Thousands of Christian businesses, houses and other property have been destroyed;
6. Distrust and fear of Christians towards Muslims have hugely increased, leading to more segregation;
7. Christians in Northern Nigeria frequently face marginalization and discrimination, especially in the Sharia states in
the Far North, but also in the Middle Belt states;
8. Participation in church activities as well as the private life of Christians have been severely affected. There has been
a steep decline due to insecurity and migration, but there is also an increased commitment amongst the Christians
that have stayed behind;
9. All over Northern Nigeria, the impact of persistent violence on Christian communities is enormous (decrease in
numbers, traumatization, being overwhelmed by the influx of displaced and relocating Christian, loss of property
and lack of resources);
10. Christians in Northern Nigeria have reported an increased experience of connection with God and His presence;
11. To adopt the Christian attitude of ‘love your enemies’ is seen as a real challenge by Christians;
12. Christians affected by targeted violence have been left severely traumatized.
The challenge for the Church in Northern Nigeria is also much larger than previously thought. It will have to find a way to
exist in areas where the Christian presence has become virtually extinct. It will have to deal with traumatization as a result
of continued violent attacks. It will need to provide leadership and guidance to Christians on how to deal with and respond
to the violence. Moreover, Christian communities in Sharia states especially but also n other parts of Northern Nigeria
face the challenge to withstand the pressure of an environment that marginalizes and discriminates. Nevertheless, there
is still a large Christian presence in Northern Nigeria with potential to unite and stand strong. But the Church in Northern
Nigeria will need to find a way to not close in on itself and disengage from society. It should do the opposite, stimulated
by its Christian drive to be involved in society and work for justice, peace and reconciliation by sharing its resources to the
benefit of all.
Last but not least, the Church in Northern Nigeria together with the Church in Southern Nigeria needs to develop a
concerted response in terms of vision, plans and actions to deal with the impact of persistent violence, effectively support
affected Christians, to work towards peace and promote social cohesion between different groups in society. In order to
do this, it needs the help of the international community so the Church can work for renewal and transformation of the
Christian community and Northern Nigerian society at large.
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