Journal of Philosophy and Theology

Christians Under Siege: The Case of Contemporary Nigeria
Professor Shaul M. Gabbay

Abstract
This manuscript pertains to the contemporary persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the actions of the terrorist group known as the Boko Haram. As demonstrated by a brief overview of present day Nigeria, the bulk of violence is situated in the predominantly Muslim north. Upholding the strict Islamic Sharia code in the northern states has fostered an animosity towards Christian communities and the democratic government which has had little control over the terrorism occurring there. Ever since an emergency state has been declared ushering increased military action in the north, the violence has spiked due to reprisal attacks. Many more civilians are being injured than before the state of emergency was affirmed. The history of Christianity in Nigeria explains the religious polarization of the country. Colonization in Nigeria occurred far more predominantly in the south simply because it was more accessible to European ships. Christian missionaries operated almost exclusively in the south, building schools and hospitals to ingrain themselves in the traditionally Muslim Nigerian society. This exposed the south to ideas of democracy and Western practices as early as the late 1400s. The effects of colonization are ever present, and explain the prevalence of Christianity in contemporary southern Nigeria. The political situation in Nigeria has further divided the country. Oscillating between weak constitutional governance and strong military rule, the government has little faculty to control the violence of terrorist groups, let alone eradicate it. This governmental weakness stems from superficial borders grouping clashing communities together resulting in disputes as to how the nation should be run. This instability allows for Islamic Sharia code to exist in the north and for extremist thinkers to gather followings. Extremist groups are gaining numbers and becoming better resourced as they grow. The predominant terrorist group, the Boko Haram, has been around since 2002. The appearance of the group markedly coincided with the time when Nigeria adopted a Western style government. Officially named “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad,” the group forcefully conveys its anti-Western messages through violence, and it is responsible for shocking amounts of mass killings. In 2012 an offshoot of the Boko Haram—named the Ansaru—emerged. With the full name of “Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black,” this new group denounces the Boko Haram’s indiscriminant killing of civilian Muslims. This probably refers to the Boko Haram’s frequent drive-by attacks, car bombs, and public shootings. The Ansaru, however, are recognized for their kidnappings and for the resourcefulness that the young group has already demonstrated. The Ansaru stress that retaliation violence in response to perceived wrongs is justifiable and encouraged. The impact of this violence is apparent in both the Christian and Muslim communities seeing as many of the civilian casualties are Muslim. Civilians in the north are fleeing to Niger and Cameroon in growing numbers. Church attendance is continuously decreasing for fear of arsons, bombers, and shooting attacks on churchgoers. Western style schools are being continuously attacked, metal detectors are being installed in churches, and motorcycles are even being banned in northern cities for fear of drive by shootings.

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