Surge in Kidnappings Targeting Christians in Nigeria
In north-central Nigeria, there has been a troubling rise in the kidnapping of Christians, mainly by Fulani militants. Many believe this is a deliberate strategy aimed at weakening and dismantling Christian communities.
Steven Kerfas, the lead researcher at the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, explains that these kidnappings are a way for militants to fund their operations while also pushing Christians into financial distress. “They often hold groups of up to 100 people in the forest for months, forcing them to pay ransoms they simply can’t afford,” he said. As a result, many are forced to sell their farmland, which they rely on for survival.
Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK, a charity supporting persecuted Christians, notes that while kidnapping affects people of all faiths, Christians are disproportionately targeted. Between 2020 and 2025, Open Doors reported that over 4,400 Christians were abducted in this region alone. Their data shows that Christians were 2.4 times more likely to be kidnapped compared to Muslims.
Kidnappers often strike churches and schools, targeting leaders like priests and pastors due to their perceived value. Families sometimes face the heart-wrenching choice of paying a ransom, which puts them in further financial jeopardy, or risking their loved ones’ lives. Unfortunately, even when ransoms are paid, it does not guarantee safe release.
Cases of brutal realities abound, like that of Pastor James Audu Issa, who was kidnapped and later killed despite a ransom being paid. Legal expert Jabez Musa noted that kidnappers exploit Christians to cause economic damage. One church reportedly had to pay about $205,000 to free 50 members taken hostage.
The impact on communities is devastating. Families sell land and livestock, sinking them into a deep financial hole. “It’s a horrifying dilemma: pay and perpetuate the cycle or refuse and face the loss of a loved one,” Blyth emphasized.
Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are facing an alarming situation. The militants are believed to be on a jihad, using ransom to finance their activities. Kerfas warns, “If you refuse to pay, you risk death. Even paying does not guarantee safety.”
Efforts to address this crisis have yet to receive a response from the Nigerian government, leaving many families in distress. The future for these communities remains uncertain and troubling.
