50 Christians killed, dozens kidnapped in Nigeria since late January

Nigerian pastor Bala Galadima was shot by terrorists Feb. 9 at his home in bed. 

Facebook photo/Baptist Press

By Diana Chandler - Posted at Baptist Press:

Published February 14, 2025

KADUNA, Nigeria (BP) – About 50 Christians were killed, dozens kidnapped and homes destroyed since late January in several attacks spanning southern to northern Nigeria, Christian persecution watchdog groups said.

At least three pastors were killed in attacks in Kaduna in north-central Nigeria and Gombe in northeastern Nigeria, Christian Daily International-Morning Star News (CDI-Morning Star) said in separate reports.

In the most recent attack, Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is accused of killing Bala Galadima, an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) pastor, in an attack at his home in Lubo, Gombe, on Feb. 9.

Galadima was reportedly shot to death at 1 a.m. at point-blank range in his back while in bed, in a resurgence of violence in northeastern Nigeria attributed to Boko Haram.

Bitrus Saleh Africa, pastor of ECWA in Majagada village, was funeralized Feb. 8 after suspected Fulani militants killed him Feb. 5, along with three other Christians, CDI-Morning Star said. An ECWA pastor identified only as Rev. Ezekiel was killed Jan. 30 by attackers identified as Fulani bandits in an attack on Kwassam village, also in Kaduna.

Dozens of Christians were kidnapped and several others injured in the Kaduna attacks, CDI-Morning Star said, referencing several local sources.

Additional Kaduna killings included seven Christians in Zakada village and a Christian man in Akansa village, CDI-Morning Star said, based on reports from Daniel Achi of the Community Development Association’s forum in the Kauru Local Government Area.

Among the deadliest single attacks, 16 members of The Lord Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry were killed early Sunday, Feb. 2, when Fulani militants reportedly stormed a village in Ebonyi state, shooting many and burning homes, International Christian Concern said Feb. 6.

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