In a recent communication to the Nigerian government, UN human rights experts have expressed grave concerns about the escalating violence and security challenges in Nigeria. The focus is particularly on the increased threats faced by Christian women and girls, who are reportedly subject to killings, abductions, and forced marriages.
The joint letter, authored by five UN experts, highlights the security deterioration in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt. It outlines the dire situation for Christian and other minority religious communities, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of women and girls.
Non-state armed groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani herder militias have been identified as the primary perpetrators of this violence, according to the letter.
The document cites a staggering statistic that over one in five Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. Thousands of attacks from 2019 to 2025 have resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, predominantly affecting Christians.
Several incidents are detailed, including a 13-year-old girl in Bauchi State forcibly converted and married, and two daughters of a pastor abducted by suspected Boko Haram militants in Borno State, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
In a disturbing case from Kaduna State, a 16-year-old girl’s hand was severed after her family refused a forced marriage. There have been arrests, but some suspects remain at large.
Additionally, an adult woman faced abduction and sexual assault shortly after her wedding. She was released but later stigmatized in her community due to giving birth to a child with developmental difficulties.
The letter expresses deep concern over these abductions and assaults, stressing the inaction of government officials and the slow progress in investigations.
Further, the letter notes attacks on Christian villages in Borno State, including a deadly incident in Plateau State that killed at least 27 people in March, along with a mass abduction in Oyo State in May.
Nigeria’s substantial internally displaced population, estimated at 3.5 million, faces dire conditions, particularly in terms of healthcare and risk of sexual exploitation.
A displaced woman from Plateau State described harsh realities: “Women delivered in the rain during attacks and some of the children died. No food for the women, some don’t know where their husbands are.”
Christian women have reportedly resorted to concealing their religious identity or wearing hijabs for safety and acceptance.
The experts underscored that the broader security crisis disproportionately impacts Christians, with 3,490 out of 4,849 Christians killed for their faith globally in 2025 being from Nigeria.
Concerns regarding the enforcement of Sharia law in 12 northern states and its repercussions on non-Muslims are also raised. Blasphemy laws, both federal and state, are highlighted for their role in inciting mob violence against religious minorities.
UN experts criticized Nigeria’s societal and institutional failings, citing multiple unanswered communications from 2020 to 2023. They urged the government to address areas of concern, including investigations into the cases mentioned and efforts to protect religious minorities.
Giorgio Mazzoli of the Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF) welcomed the focus on the issue, emphasizing the need for urgent action by Nigerian authorities to reform discriminatory legal frameworks.
Coinciding with the UN’s release, a Federal High Court ruling in Kano State limited the authority of Islamic religious police over a woman who converted to Christianity, marking a significant legal development.
The case involves a 22-year-old who fled her home to avoid a forced marriage. After converting to Christianity, she faced arrest and abuse by religious police but was later released. The court ruled her treatment a “flagrant violation” of her rights, awarding her compensation.
ADF attorney Sean Nelson stated, “No one should be coerced to leave their faith, and certainly no Christian should ever be threatened by Islamic morality police.” He expressed hope that this case would reinforce religious freedom in Nigeria.
ADF continues to support cases like that of Rhoda Jatau, detained on blasphemy charges for 19 months, and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a musician facing a death sentence for a blasphemous message.
Nigeria’s handling of religious minority issues has prompted increased international scrutiny, with the United States recently designating it a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom. This follows military responses to violence against Christians and calls for the UN to investigate alleged genocide by jihadist groups.
For more information, see Genocide Watch and the Alliance Against Genocide’s call for investigation.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
