Douglas Burton

Douglas Burton

Douglas Burton is an independent writer specializing on Nigerian terrorism from his home near Washington, DC. He began covering the campaign to retake Mosul from ISIS in 2015 and switched to covering ISIS in Nigeria in 2019. He is a former State Department official in Kirkuk Iraq.

Articles by Douglas Burton

Waves of attacks displace Catholic natives in central Nigeria

Mar 15, 2023 / 14:15 pm

Recent terrorist raids in Benue, a predominantly Catholic state in north-central Nigeria, are getting scant mention in Nigeria news.

Muslim-Muslim ticket proclaimed winner of Nigeria’s presidential election amid protests

Mar 1, 2023 / 15:45 pm

The country’s Catholic bishops, among others, have sharply criticized the Independent Nigerian Election Commission for its handling of the vote count.

Nigerians head to the polls to choose a new president — and brace for post-election violence

Feb 23, 2023 / 17:05 pm

Peter Obi, one of three leading candidates, is Catholic and a popular former governor.

Nigeria bishop: Pre-Christmas massacre part of ‘a deliberate plan to unleash evil’ against Christians

Dec 22, 2022 / 03:00 am

Witnesses say armed Fulani herdsmen attacked several Christian villages on Dec. 18, leaving as many as 46 people dead and thousands displaced.

Despite incessant attacks, Nigerian Catholics keep their faith

Dec 2, 2022 / 13:45 pm

Attacks by groups of Islamist militia variously called “herdsmen,” “bandits,” or “unknown gunmen” increasingly victimize farming towns in Nigeria.

Dozens of Catholic villagers reportedly killed in Central Nigeria raid

Oct 29, 2022 / 15:45 pm

The state police commissioner says no more than 10 people were slain, but a county official claims more than 70 bodies have been recovered.

Nigerian bishop appeals for help from European Parliament as terrorist attacks continue

Oct 14, 2022 / 18:00 pm

Since Oct. 8 terrorist attacks have claimed eight lives, displaced thousands, and left parishioners traumatized in Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbea's dicoese.

Freed Nigerian priest recounts details of his kidnapping by insurgents

Sep 7, 2022 / 08:00 am

Father Stephen Ojapah had fallen fast asleep late on May 25 after an exhausting day of parish work when two men with rifles ordered him to get out of bed and follow them.

Journalist who reported on massacre of Nigerian Christians to stand trial for “cyberstalking”

Aug 18, 2022 / 16:30 pm

Luka Binniyat, a Catholic human rights reporter, is facing prison after writing an article in which the Nigerian government was criticized for its inaction in the face of an ongoing threat to Christian communities.

Catholic parish in Nigeria struggles to feed thousands uprooted by violent attacks

Aug 12, 2022 / 13:00 pm

From May 1 to June 30, 70 unarmed persons across Benue State in north-central Nigeria were killed in attacks by Fulani herdsmen, a Catholic bishop says.

Nigerian militants appear to target Catholic priests for kidnapping: Why?

Jul 14, 2022 / 13:27 pm

Father Peter Amodu was supposed to say the 5 p.m. Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in southern Nigeria on July 6.

Nigerian Christian villagers claim military helicopter fired on them, not bandits

Jul 4, 2022 / 11:41 am

Authorities deny the charge and have tried to reassure villagers the government is on their side.

Eyewitness details brutal 'blasphemy murder' of Nigerian Christian student

Jun 23, 2022 / 14:01 pm

A close friend who was with Deborah Emmanuel when she died describes her final hours.

Nigerian Catholic parish hard hit in latest raid

Jun 21, 2022 / 14:40 pm

“We lost three of our parishioners, and 36 people were kidnapped, the majority of whom were Catholics,” a Nigerian pastor says.