The Cost & Courage of Faith: Nigeria’s Christian Persecution

Humanity tends to flock toward religion, as it shapes communities, and provides those seeking comfort, with purpose and guidance. However, government and social actors that view religion as a threat to their established power will often persecute religious communities to ensure sustained dominance. The ultimate goal being that no power is lost. In 2022, Pew Research Center held a study, revealing that religious harassment occurs in 192 countries out of the world’s 198 countries and territories.

Of the countries listed, Nigeria stands as the 7th most dangerous country for Christians with 4,118 Christians killed, 3,300 abducted, and around 100,000 displaced as of a 2023 report (U.S. Department of State). The country is divided, with Nigeria’s southern provinces practicing Christianity, while the northern provinces practice Sharia — a strict form of Muslim law. Due to varying religious demographics, there is a contrast in ideology, rise in ethnic and religious tensions, and an apparent competition for land and resources. Radicalized Islamic terrorist groups across Nigeria have been known to specifically target Christians and more-moderate Muslims whom they perceive as “heretics”. Year round, horrific attacks — including bombing, massacres, the destruction of schools and churches, the raiding of homes, etc. — continue to affect the day-to-day lives of Christians within the country.

To better understand this “religious war” on a more personal level, I look to Lois, a Christian Nigerian and member of the Girls Education Mission International. Having faced adversity since infancy — at barely one year old — Lois’ mother had divorced her father to convert to Islam and marry a Muslim man. This left Lois in the often unsupervised care of her grandmother while both parents moved on to new families. Growing up, Lois encountered constant pressure to follow her mother’s path into Islam. Refusing, she chose the road of remaining steadfast in her Christian faith, which left her susceptible to loneliness, rejection, and great personal risk.

“Along with the support and mentorship of Girls Education Mission International, sheer determination, and God’s grace, I gained the life skills needed to attend school".

— Lois, a member of Girls Education Mission International

Lois, a Nigerian Christian, member of Girls Education Mission International

Lois excelled in her studies and ultimately graduated as a pharmacist. But even with this remarkable achievement, the persecution remained.

Repeatedly, she was told that opportunities, employment, and acceptance would only come if she gave up her Christian name and changed it to a Muslim one. Relentless, she stood firm in her faith, refusing countless proposals. Lois would often find herself courted by those offering to marry her, but only upon her conversion into Islam. As she abstained, Lois faced a wave of cruel retaliation and rumors were spread to destroy her reputation. This deterred any Christian man who initially considered marrying her, and in this way, Lois lost numerous relationships to false lies. Yet, her faith remained unyielding.

Despite her spiritual loyalty, it was “profoundly painful to watch her peers marry, raise families and step into the fullness of life while she remained alone”. Lois endured the discrimination, loneliness, and the heartbreak with a quiet dignity, holding onto her conviction that “God saw her sacrifice and that her faith would not be in vain”. Today, her conviction remains true, as she is preparing to marry a Christian man who cherishes her utmost devotion and admires her courage in Christ.

Lois, with her heart of compassion, now intends to return to the very community that denied her employment because of her refusal to change her name, planning to establish a pharmacy. Lois states how “This is not merely a career endeavor, it is my mission.” It is her way of serving the poor, bearing witness to her faith, and turning her suffering into a source of healing for others like her. Lois’ story, and the stories of many other young girls/women in Girls Education Mission International, is not one of defeat, but of hope and spiritual resilience that embodies their faith.

Christian girls in Nigeria do not escape the inherent fear of persecution, but choose to stand within it. For their own means of survival, some resort to dressing like Muslims to avoid abduction or worse. Nevertheless, their strength does not come from circumstance, but knowing who they are in Christ. As they are “sustained by prayer”, they continue to trust in God.

To explore ways to empower girls through education, consider the work of Girls Education Mission International, which supports access to learning and leadership opportunities for young women. You can also visit the Resource Hub under One of Many’s Take Action tab for more organizations dedicated to advancing education and equality.