SW News: A study by Release International singles out Nigeria and China as nations of significant concern where persecution of Christians is expected to rise in 2023. Release International surveyed the most recent persecution trends in countries, including Nigeria, India, China, Iran, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and others.
The UK-based organization has now released its annual report on the world's worst persecution hotspots. Nigeria is the main concern for the upcoming year since there is an increase in violence and calls for dividing the country.
There are worries that Nigeria's presidential election in 2023 could mark the beginning of that country's disintegration. According to the report, "Nigeria will either expand as an entity or collapse depending on the outcome of the election in 2023."
Terrorist organizations Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa continue to disobey the law, while Fulani insurgents freely target Christian villages. According to accounts, Fulani militants murdered around 6,000 Christians and devastated 17 communities in 2022.
The Senate, Assembly, and governorship elections in Nigeria will take place in March after the presidential election in February. There are worries that Nigeria's future leader won't be able to run the nation efficiently given how tightly political Islamists in the north have taken control.
Release International in Nigeria issued a warning: "Christian-majority minority tribes will continue to face persecution. The North, which wants to turn the country into an Islamic state, will force them to live as second-class citizens.”
More than two million people have been evicted from their homes due to the violence. Additionally, there has been a rise in criminal activity. According to the study, kidnappings for ransom have taken over as the main source of income for terrorist organizations, while rape victims and those who have become disabled as a result of attacks are on the rise in Christian communities. Thousands of youngsters are unable to attend school or receive a quality education in these Christian villages.
Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International warns: “Persecution has been on the increase in recent years. 2023 looks set to continue that trend. The next 12 months will be significant for large swathes of the church across the globe. Those who use violence to try to stamp out Christianity have forgotten the lesson of history. It teaches us that persecution, terrible though it is, strengthens resolve. It emboldens and refines the Church.”