Nigeria is divided almost evenly between Muslims, who dominate in the north, and Christians, who dominate in the south. Based in the north, Boko Haram is affiliated with al-Qaida and has also aligned itself with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS). Boko Haram carries out devastating attacks on the Christian communities and army units in the region. Boko Haram is also reportedly backing ongoing attacks on Christian villages by militant Fulani Muslims, who have concentrated their attacks in the central region of Nigeria.
In 2025, the number of attacks on Christian villages across Nigeria continues to rise. Several recent attacks across the Northern Borno and Gombe states and the Central Benue and Ebonyi states have seen dozens of homes and churches burned to the ground, and many lives lost in targeted killings.
In January, Boko Haram militants continued their attacks in Chibok County, Borno State, resulting in the killing of five people and the destruction of five church buildings and 74 houses. According to a statement issued by a Borno state official, Christians in majority Christian villages continue to be awoken from sleep by Boko Haram militant attacks in the early hours of the morning.
Several of these attacks occurred on 12, 13 and 16 January, as militants terrorised villages by shooting at villagers and burning down both houses and churches. The Christians in Chibok remain on high alert after the Nigerian government released 5,000 Boko Haram terrorists on 30 January, stating that the former terrorists had been de-radicalised and had repented. Area resident, Amos Dauda said it was disheartening that while Christians are under constant attacks from Boko Haram terrorists, some terrorists are being released on claims that they have been de-radicalised.
In neighbouring Gombe State, at approximately 1 am Sunday 9 February suspected Boko Haram militants entered another town, shooting into the air as they approached the home of Rev Bala Galadima of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Residents report that gunmen, dressed in black robes, broke into his residence on the premises of ECWA in Lubo, Yamaltu-Deba County and shot him point-blank while he was in bed. This recent attack has left the church community grieving deeply. Rev Bala Galadima was a beloved friend and pastor.
Buhari Abdullahi of the Gombe State Police Command said in a statement that officers arrived at the church premises after the assailants had escaped and have since coordinated a special operation, confident that the culprits will be arrested.
In central Nigeria’s Ebonyi State Fulani extremists stormed a village following accusations that villagers had killed cattle belonging to the Fulani herders. Although community leaders denied the allegations, in the early hours of Sunday 2 February Fulani extremists began shooting Christians and setting homes on fire. At least 16 people died in the attack, most belonging to a local ministry group. Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru condemned the attack and urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that security forces had been deployed.
Bordering Ebonyi State to the north, three predominately Christian villages in Benue State have been left reeling after attacks on 3 and 5 February. Residents recall the Fulani herdsmen invading the villages, shooting at anyone who tried to escape and burning down houses. Area sources have reported that six Christians were killed, another injured and eight residents kidnapped.
Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose Islam, as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
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