(Photo: Open Doors)
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, a Nigerian widow who endured the tragic loss of her husband at the hands of Boko Haram militants is joining a global movement advocating for justice and protection for Christians in sub-Saharan Africa. Afordia, whose husband Isaac Inuwa was killed 12 years ago, will be part of a delegation delivering a significant petition to Downing Street this Thursday.
Organized by Open Doors, the petition, signed by over a million people worldwide, seeks to address the rampant violence against Christians in the region. Afordia recalls the fateful day on October 29, 2014, when their journey was abruptly halted by men in uniform.
“We thought they were Nigerian Army,” she recounted. “But suddenly some other men came out of hiding with guns shouting at us to get out of the car. They asked my husband whether he was a Muslim or an Infidel in the Hausa language. He replied he is neither, but that he is a Christian. They then ordered him to go to the side of the road. He knelt down and started praying. Seconds later they shot my husband several times. He died on the spot.”
Research from Open Doors highlights that an average of 12 Christians are killed daily in sub-Saharan Africa due to their faith, making it the most dangerous place for Christians worldwide. Their Arise Africa campaign is actively urging governments to tackle these deadly assaults, along with sexual violence and displacement issues plaguing Christian communities.
Calls for action have emerged even beyond the Christian circles. Hardeep Singh, deputy-director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, criticized Western leaders in The Spectator, urging them to pay more attention to the dire situation in Nigeria: “Is the West listening? It’s about time they did. Nigeria’s Christians need help more than ever.”
The violence has also prompted responses from the United States. On Christmas Day 2025, US forces conducted strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria’s Sokoto State, with Donald Trump linking the operation to the protection of Christians.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has condemned the attacks, citing inadequate efforts by the Nigerian government to safeguard religious communities. In response, the European Parliament passed a resolution in July, with an overwhelming majority of 510 votes to one, demanding stronger protective measures for civilians and accountability for the perpetrators. They also called on the EU’s envoy for religious freedom to focus on the worsening conditions for Christians and other persecuted groups.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
