As a Christian, I am heartbroken by the UK Government’s ongoing silence regarding the brutal persecution of Christian communities in Nigeria.

Extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani militants continue to attack Christian villages, killing innocent people, destroying churches, and displacing thousands. These attacks are not random they are targeted, systematic, and devastating.

📊 The Numbers Speak for Themselves

According to verifiable reports:

- The Open Doors 2024 World Watch List estimates that 3,100 Christians were killed and 2,830 Christians were kidnapped in Nigeria in 2024.

- A UK Parliament briefing states Nigeria accounted for over 70% of Christians worldwide killed for faith-related reasons in 2024.

- Of 5,621 Christians killed globally during the Open Doors 2023 reporting period, approximately 5,014 (89%) were in Nigeria.

- Between April and June 2023, Nigeria recorded 1,637 Christian deaths, 642 abductions, and 119 attacks on communities with fatalities.

These figures reveal a clear pattern of targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria and yet, the international community, including the UK, remains disturbingly silent.

“Churches, priests and other potent symbols of Christianity are attacked, seemingly with impunity.”  

 Bishop John Bakeni, Diocese of Maiduguri

“Climate change never kidnapped the Chibok girls, killed priests, or burned down churches.”  

Bishop Bakeni, UK Parliament testimony.

🗣️ What Bishop Bakeni Asked of the UK Government.

In his address to UK Parliament, Bishop Bakeni urged British leaders to:

-Recognise religion as a key driver of violence in Nigeria, not just poverty or climate issues.

- Defend Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of religion.

- Speak out publicly against the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.

- Support international efforts to investigate and end the violence, including potential genocide classification.

He warned that ignoring the religious dimension “waters down the seriousness of the conflict” and risks abandoning those suffering for their faith.

🇬🇧 What We are Asking — Echoing Bishop Bakeni’s Appeal

We call on the UK Government to act decisively, in line with Bishop Bakeni’s urgent appeal:

1. Acknowledge the religious dimension of the violence in Nigeria. Recognise that Christians are being targeted for their faith not just due to poverty, climate change, or ethnic tensions.

2. Publicly condemn the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and speak out boldly in defense of religious freedom.

3. Support independent international investigations into the atrocities, including whether they meet the legal threshold of genocide.

4. Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and groups responsible for orchestrating, funding, or enabling the violence.

5.  Use diplomatic pressure to hold the Nigerian Government accountable for its failure to protect religious minorities, and to demand justice for victims.

🕊️ A Moral Imperative

This is not about politics. It’s about people. It’s about faith. It’s about justice.

If we truly believe in freedom of religion, in the sanctity of life, and in the power of compassion, then we must act. We must raise our voices for those who cannot speak. We must demand that our leaders do the same.

 

Let this petition be a spark. Let it be a rallying cry. Let it be a message to the UK Government:  

We see what’s happening. We care. And we demand action.

 

✍️ Sign this petition to stand with Nigeria’s persecuted Christians. Let your voice be heard. Let your faith be felt.