Global Concerns Rise Over Persecution of Christians Amid Deadly Attacks in Nigeria and Congo

Escalating violence against Christian communities has sparked international alarm, following a series of deadly attacks in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Nigeria’s Benue State, between 100 and 200 Christians were killed in the farming village of Yelwata on June 13, 2025, by heavily armed Fulani jihadist herdsmen. The attackers stormed the predominantly Catholic community, burning homes and killing residents, including women and children. Yelwata, located just north of the state capital Makurdi, also housed many internally displaced persons who had fled previous attacks in neighboring towns. While state officials confirmed at least 45 deaths, independent sources and advocacy groups report the toll could exceed 200. The massacre is part of a broader pattern of targeted violence in central Nigeria, where Christian farming communities have faced repeated assaults in recent weeks.

Analysts attribute the violence to a mix of religious extremism, resource conflicts, and systemic failures in state response, with some describing the attacks as a coordinated campaign to displace Christians from their ancestral lands. The ongoing crisis has left survivors at risk of disease and further displacement, while drawing condemnation from religious leaders and international organizations.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, another brutal incident saw approximately 70 Christians, including the elderly and children, killed inside a church. Details remain limited, but the attack has heightened fears for Christian minorities in regions plagued by religious and ethnic violence.

Meanwhile, in Paris, thousands gathered to assert France’s Christian heritage amid growing global tensions. The demonstration highlighted concerns over cultural identity and the safety of Christian populations worldwide.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for international attention and action to protect vulnerable Christian communities facing persecution and violence in conflict-affected regions.