In a harrowing event in Nigeria, Suzanne, a devout Christian, lost both her father and her eyesight during an attack by Boko Haram militants. This personal tragedy underlines the broader crisis of persecution faced by Christians in the region. According to the 2025 Global Christian Relief (GCR) Red List, from November 2022 to November 2024, nearly 9,814 Nigerian Christians were tragically killed by extremist groups, marking a severe escalation in violence.

According to the Christian Post, The GCR report details a chilling picture of ongoing genocidal acts against Christians in Nigeria, highlighting the country as the worst offender in several persecution categories.

The data for the Red List comes from GCR's Violent Incidents Database, which records attacks against Christians globally. Over the specified period, extremist groups, including Boko Haram, Armed Fulani herdsmen, and the Islamic State West Africa Province, have targeted Christians in increasing numbers. These groups frequently abduct individuals for ransom, which feeds into wider networks of organized crime and supports terrorist activities.

Pastors, church leaders, and young women are most often the victims of these kidnappings, suffering not only physical harm but significant psychological distress. GCR's documentation shows how these crimes disrupt entire communities, leaving them in fear and severe hardship.

Global Christian Relief Advocates For Stringent Action

The U.S.-based nonprofit GCR, which monitors these persecutions, advocates for the reinstatement of Nigeria's designation as a "Country of Particular Concern." The U.S. bestowed this title during the Trump administration in 2020 but removed it a year later under the Biden administration. GCR argues that reinstating this status could help apply international pressure on Nigerian politicians to address this crisis more effectively.

Despite the Nigerian government's assurances of handling the situation, GCR's report and the ongoing violence indicate that current efforts are inadequate. The organization calls for targeted sanctions against Nigerian officials who fail to protect their Christian populations adequately.

In response to these ongoing threats, GCR not only compiles data but also actively assists affected communities. They provide emergency aid, establish safe houses, and offer trauma counseling to help survivors recover from their ordeals.

Survivors Show Remarkable Resilience Amidst Persecution

Amid the dire circumstances, stories of personal resolve and forgiveness emerge. Suzanne, having survived her brutal attack, chooses to forgive those who murdered her father and caused her blindness. Her story is one of many that GCR highlights to illuminate both the severity of the crisis and the indomitable spirit of those affected.

Brian Orme, the acting chief executive of Global Christian Relief, emphasizes the resilience observed in these communities. "Despite the intense challenges in places like Nigeria, China, and India, we continue to see remarkable resilience in these communities. Even in the darkest circumstances, the Church not only survives but grows stronger—millions are choosing to follow Jesus despite knowing the risks they face," Orme said.

GCR's efforts extend beyond mere documentation. As Orme notes, "Working closely with our partners on the ground in these high-risk areas, we provide emergency aid, safe houses, and trauma counseling to Christians facing violent persecution."

Inclusion Of Other Regions In Christian Persecution Statistics

The GCR report also touches on Christian persecution beyond Nigeria, listing countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Russia, India, Myanmar, Ukraine, China, Eritrea, Nicaragua, North Korea, Mexico, Haiti, and Cameroon. In addition, these regions, too, experience varying degrees of hostility and violence against Christians, underlining the global nature of this pressing issue.

Furthermore, the inclusion of these statistics provides a comprehensive view of the challenges Christians face worldwide. It paints a broad picture of a problem that demands international attention and action.

The GCR prayer embedded within the report asks for divine intervention and global awareness. "God, our hearts go out to the family members of those who have been senselessly killed," it reads. "Please shield Nigerian Christians like Suzanne from harm and comfort them in their loss. Cause Nigeria's politicians to enact policies that will protect believers from religious extremism. Stop the bloodshed and bring peace to the land. Amen."

By highlighting specific human stories and widening the lens to include global data, GCR hopes to influence policy changes and foster safer conditions for Christians everywhere. In doing so, their advocacy continues to play a pivotal role in bringing these issues to light, seeking to inspire both compassion and action on a global scale.