Nigeria: Number of Christians Killed in 2016 Already Equal to Number Killed in 2015

The increasing massacre of Christians in Nigeria has led one leader to warn that as many Christians have been killed in the country in the first half of 2016 as were killed in all of 2015.

Much of Nigeria has become a war-torn place due to terrorist organization Boko Haram, as well as other perpetrators of violence such as Fulani herdsman who have been targeting Christians.

The Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN) has called on the Nigerian government to do something about the continual massacre of Nigerian Christians.

“Whatever the federal government is doing, if any, is either too slow or insignificant compared with the reoccurrence of the killings; the federal government needs to step up and take bold actions to give members of the Christian community in the country a sense of security and belonging,” said Pastor Ade Oyesile, executive director of CANAN.

The Christian Post reports that a number of other humanitarian organizations have joined with CANAN in calling for an end to the violence and persecution in Nigeria.

Reports have surfaced of brutal killings, rape, and starvation in the country due to the chaos created by groups like Boko Haram.

So many Christians have already been killed in the first half of 2016 alone that Oyesile voiced his concerns for what the second half of the year may bring if something is not done.

"This dastardly killings of Christians in the country MUST stop. It is most disappointing that these unprovoked killings of Christians have continued despite the federal government condemnation statements," he said.

Although Oyesile is asking the government to step in and stop the violence, he also acknowledged that ultimately only repentance and the fear of God can conquer the hate of radical Islam.

Publication date: July 28, 2016