ACN Nigeria Project Visit – Day 4

We have only been in north-west Nigeria a few days and yet we’ve already developed a clear sense that there are two factors prevailing in the life of the Church. The first is self-evident. If state oppression and social pressure aren’t enough to make life tough for Christians, acts of random persecution – violent, merciless acts of cruelty – demonstrate the reality of persecution.

The other day I walked towards a battered church and noticed there were large stones scattered all over the roof. I was told by Parish Sister Sylvaline, a Dominican, that these were thrown at the church and accounted for the broken windows. Immediately I walked inside I noticed a smell of burning. But the visit to St Kevin’s Church, in Sokoto, also evidenced the second factor that has made its presence known to us loud and clear – the quiet defiance of the faithful. When I stepped outside the church I was greeted by the sight of a young woman and a little child. She told me her name is Blessing and her little boy, just three years old, is called Jethro. I asked her if she felt safe coming. She said: “We are frightened – they throw stones. But we still come. Worshipping God is very important to us and we will not stop coming.” This courage and faith was something we encountered again and again among those we met as we travelled around.

Later, I met a Christian called Mani Goma. The 27-year-old is from one of the most dangerous parts of northern Nigeria. His is the only Christian family in the village in the Faskari Local Government Area, in the south of Zamfara State. He explained that over the last few years six of his nine brothers have been kidnapped, one of them barely a week ago. He said he himself had been attacked three times, most recently in September 2024. On that occasion he had been shot at three times as he was trying to escape on his bike. Fortunately he was able to get away. Most of the family have left their home village and have taken refuge in the nearby town of Yamisara. Mani, who, because of discrimination against Christians, is unable to get a job despite being a university graduate, explained that his faith is strong. He said: “If I was to convert, security would be provided but I won’t do it. They see Christians as a threat. As a Christian, it’s very difficult to get any opportunities.” He added: “I am strong in my faith. Several times I’ve been attacked and if it weren’t for divine protection they would have killed me.”