Catholic Church in Nigeria

The Latest

A Fulani herdsman in Cameroon.

'Fulani association' warns Christians in Nigerian state to close churches or risk attacks

Dec 2, 2021

By Jude Atemanke

Christians in Nigeria’s Zamfara State have been cautioned against public worship in churches lest they be attacked, abducted, and their... Read more

Fr. Bako Francis Awesuh, who was held captive for more than a month by Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria's Kaduna state earlier this year.

'Come to our rescue': Nigerian priest to international community after month of captivity

Dec 2, 2021

By ACI Africa

A Nigerian priest who spent more than a month in captivity following his abduction earlier this year has called on... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith. Public Domain.

Congressman Smith: Nigeria's removal from U.S. watch list a 'retreat' from fight against religious persecution

Nov 24, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

The decision to remove Nigeria from the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” was “totally unjustified,” and a backwards step... 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

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

Urgent prayers needed for kidnapped Nigerian priest

Sep 14, 2021

By Jude Atemanke

Prayers are being sought for the quick and safe release of a Catholic priest, Father Benson Bulus Luka, kidnapped from... Read more

The flag of Nigeria on a soldier’s arm.

Report: 17 Christians killed every day in Nigeria in first half of 2021

Jul 31, 2021

By CNA Staff

More than 3,000 Christians were murdered in 2021’s first 200 days. Read more

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Enugu, Nigeria was vandalized Nov 4, 2013.

Sympathizers in Nigeria's high-ranking positions stall fight against militants, priest says

Jul 23, 2021

By ACI Africa

Boko Haram sympathizers and others who support Nigeria being an Islamic State are stalling the fight against militants in the... Read more

Nigerian Christians displaced from their homes by Boko Haram attacks. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Maiduguri.

Nigerian seminarian calls for 'prayer backed up with action' to counter violence

Jul 19, 2021

By Katie Yoder

Religious persecution is rampant in Nigeria, where militant groups such as Boko Haram carry out abductions that appear to target... Read more

Ash Wednesday celebration at St. Patrick cathedral in Maiduguri, Feb. 26, 2020

‘At every time, you could be a target’: Despite danger, Nigerian priest ministers to refugees of terrorism

Jul 16, 2021

By Matt Hadro

A Nigerian priest who ministers to trauma victims in the country’s northeast says he is aware of the danger priests... 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.

'I believe in the Resurrection': Nigerian bishop keeps hope amid rampant violence

Jul 15, 2021

By Matt Hadro

As some warn that anti-Christian violence in Nigeria is reaching the level of genocide, the bishop of the Diocese of... Read more

Fr. Elijah Juma Wada was abducted on June 30, 2021, in Nigeria’s Maiduguri diocese.

Suspected members of Boko Haram kidnap Catholic priest in Nigeria

Jul 7, 2021

By CNA Staff

Fr. Elijah Juma Wada was abducted on June 30. Read more

Archbishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso of Nigeria’s Kaduna archdiocese.

Nigerian archbishop prays for killers’ conversion at burial of murdered Catholic priest

Jun 3, 2021

By CNA Staff

Fr. Alphonsus Bello was found dead May 21 after his parish was attacked by armed bandits. Read more

Fr. Joseph Keke, 75,  was kidnapped on May 21, 2021, in Katsina State, Nigeria.

‘Our only weapon is prayer’: Nigerian bishop seeks release of kidnapped priest

May 27, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Fr. Joseph Keke, 75, was kidnapped by gunmen on May 21. Read more

Fr. Joe Keke, left, remains missing. Fr. Alphonsus Bello, right, was killed at age 33.

Catholic priest killed, another kidnapped in attack on Nigerian parish

May 21, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Fr. Alphonsus Bello was found dead on May 21. Read more

Nigerian flag

Catholic priest among 11 people kidnapped in Nigeria’s Kaduna archdiocese

May 19, 2021

By ACI Africa

Gunmen in northern Nigeria killed eight people and kidnapped 11 others. Read more

Funeral Mass in Nigeria

‘This thing’s going to blow up on us’: The religious extremism fueling violence in Nigeria

May 14, 2021

By Matt Hadro

Escalating bloodshed in Nigeria is fueled in part by religious extremism – and the United States must recognize this in... Read more

Fr. Camillus Mbaka. Courtesy photo.

Nigerian priest whose followers stormed cathedral apologizes to bishop

May 10, 2021

By Jude Atemanke

Fr. Camillus Mbaka, whose followers, believing him to be missing, vandalized the cathedral and episcopal residence in Enugu last week,... Read more