IS THERE CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN NIGERIA?

 

Yes — and here’s how we must understand it to conquer it.

✅ WHAT HAPPENED?

While the enemies of the cross — in this context, extremist groups and power-driven structures like the Fulani expansionists — were busy building political networks, amassing weapons, and infiltrating national systems for long-term dominance, the Church was busy building cathedrals, expanding branches, and celebrating cosmetic Christianity.

We forgot the original mandate:

> “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat…” — Matthew 13:25

The seeds sown by the enemy have matured: terrorism, systemic marginalization, displacement, and the open slaughter of believers in parts of Nigeria.

✅ WHERE DID IT HAPPEN?

It started heavily in the North — Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and more — but it is no longer confined there. It is creeping into the Middle Belt and advancing towards the South, through cultural infiltration, political manipulation, and gradual intimidation.

> “For certain individuals have secretly slipped in among you…” — Jude 1:4

✅ WHO CAUSED IT?

The blame partly rests with the Church.

We neglected the fullness of the Great Commission — which is not just about filling pews but conquering systems and discipling nations.

We abandoned the seven mountains of influence:

Family

Education

Media

Economy

Government

Arts & Culture

Religion

Instead of raising Daniels, Josephs, Deborahs, and Nehemiahs, we raised building funds and celebrated celebrity pastors. Now, we reap the consequences.

> “Now therefore give me this mountain…” — Joshua 14:12

“And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail…” — Deuteronomy 28:13

✅ WHEN DID IT HAPPEN?

It did not start yesterday — it is the result of decades of spiritual slumber, when we trusted corrupt political structures for safety but disengaged from our God-given mandate to shape nations.

It is still happening today — with targeted attacks, subtle persecution in policy and governance, and an attempt to silence the prophetic voice.

> “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” — Matthew 24:12

✅ WHY DID IT HAPPEN?

Because we left the battlefield empty for the enemy.

The early church turned cities upside down; today’s church tries to blend in to avoid offense.

We forgot we are the salt and light — preservers of truth and influencers of culture.

When the righteous withdraw, darkness fills the vacuum.

> “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers…” — Ephesians 6:12

✅ HOW DID IT HAPPEN?

Through spiritual laziness and slumber

By ignoring the true prophetic warnings

By exalting entertainment above discipleship

By neglecting strategic intercession and Kingdom invasion

By abandoning our watch-posts and gates

> “They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.” — Nehemiah 4:17

✅ THE WAY FORWARD

God always preserves a remnant — and Nigeria shall yet see revival if we return!

1️⃣. Genuine Repentance

> “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven…” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

2️⃣. Rebuild Spiritual Walls Like Nehemiah, we must repair broken altars in our homes, communities, and cities — prayer, fasting, prophetic decrees.

3️⃣. Raise Apostolic & Prophetic Watchmen We need less entertainment, more fire — fewer showmen, more prophets who stand before kings.

4️⃣. Take Back the Mountains Christians must strategically occupy politics, governance, media, economy, education, and the family.

> “And through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.” — Psalm 66:3

5️⃣. Wage United Spiritual Warfare Where human systems fail, divine power prevails. This battle will be won on our knees, with spiritual weapons that pull down strongholds.

✅ CONCLUSION

When the Church returns to her true apostolic roots, the gates of hell shall not prevail — even in Nigeria.

May God raise modern-day Nehemiahs, Deborahs, Daniels, and Calebs who will boldly declare:

> “Give me this mountain!”

And by His grace, we shall take it.

Amen.

Written by Pastor Michael Abu, 

A blogger and media influencer, 

Edo State

Benin City.