Catholic Church in Nigeria

The Latest

Photo illustration.

At least 50 feared dead in attack on Catholic church in Nigeria

Jun 5, 2022

By Shannon Mullen

Such attacks in southwestern Nigeria are rare, while they have escalated sharply in the north in recent months. Read more

Holy Family Catholic Cathedral in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria.

Catholic cathedral attacked in Nigeria after arrests over ‘blasphemy’ killing

May 15, 2022

By CNA Staff

The attack took place amid protests demanding the release of two suspects in the killing of a Christian student. Read more

Father Joseph Akete Bako.

Catholic archdiocese in Nigeria announces death of kidnapped priest

May 12, 2022

By CNA Staff

Father Joseph Aketeh Bako was kidnapped in March. Read more

Father Felix Zakari Fidson, who was abducted in Nigeria’s Zaria diocese on March 24, 2022.

Catholic priest in Nigeria released 40 days after abduction

May 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

Father Felix Zakari Fidson was seized on March 24. Read more

Young adults who have helped with the "I Thirst" project at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dedham, Massachusetts from left to right: Emily Rittenour, Matthew Marquet, Monet Souza, Natlia Derosa, Sister Josephine Ngama, Lew Uttaro, Gianfranco Derosa, Elizabeth Balzarini, George Matta, Mark Farah.

This Catholic parish is helping to bring fresh water to a poor Nigerian village

Apr 6, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

“They need water.” These words have inspired a Catholic parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, to undertake an ambitious effort to fund... Read more

Father Leo Raphael Ozigi, who was kidnapped in Nigeria’s Minna diocese on March 27, 2022.

Catholic priest abducted after Sunday Mass in Nigeria

Mar 29, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

‘May the Holy Spirit secure the release of our brother ... from the hands of the bandits,’ said Father Emeka... Read more

Sister Esther Nkiru Ezedinachi, a member of the Handmaids of the Child Jesus, assists victims of attacks in the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Nigeria.

'It was a miracle I escaped': Nigerian sister recounts deadly shooting

Mar 16, 2022

By Agnes Aineah

Sister Nkiru was returning home from a marriage ceremony with other people when armed assailants opened fire on their vehicle. Read more

Nigerian Cardinal John Onaiyekan speaks at the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 9, 2021.

‘We all weep for these victims’: Nigerian cardinal responds after gunmen kill 200 people

Jan 12, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Cardinal Onaiyekan said: ‘They attack farmers’ fields, kill farmers and no one says anything.’ Read more

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto addresses a dinner of ADF International, "The Crisis of Religious Freedom in Nigeria," at the 2021 International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C.

Outspoken Nigerian bishop says he is 'fine', amid reports he was called in for questioning by state police

Jan 11, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

Following Nigerian media reports over the weekend that a Catholic bishop had been summoned for questioning by a state security... Read more

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

Nigerian bishop who criticized government over Christian persecution called in for questioning: report

Jan 8, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

A prominent Nigerian bishop has reportedly been ordered in for questioning by a state security agency, after the prelate criticized... Read more

Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of the Diocese of Yola, pictured in 2015.

Nigerian bishop: Christian persecution is “more intense now than ever”

Dec 16, 2021

By Jonah McKeown

A Nigerian Catholic bishop has challenged the United States Secretary of State to justify his decision to remove Nigeria from... Read more

The flag of Nigeria on a military uniform.

Legal group joins outcry over removal of Nigeria from religious freedom watch list

Nov 23, 2021

By Kate Olivera

An international legal group has joined the outcry over the U.S. State Department’s decision to remove Nigeria from this year’s... Read more

The flag of Nigeria on a military uniform.

Religious freedom advocates ‘appalled’ as State Department removes Nigeria from watch list

Nov 18, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Rights groups have documented thousands of killings of Nigerian Christians. Read more

Kaduna State in northern Nigeria.

Attack on Christians in Nigeria described as a ‘massacre’

Sep 30, 2021

By CNA Staff

An estimated 49 people were killed in a two-hour long attack. Read more

Fr. Benson Bulus Luka was kidnapped from his parish residence in Nigeria’s Kafanchan diocese on Sept. 13, 2021.

Catholic diocese rejoices as priest is freed barely 24 hours after kidnapping

Sep 16, 2021

By CNA Staff

“Barely 24 hours after his kidnap, our beloved brother priest was released by his abductors.” Read more