The deadly mosque shooting in New Zealand last Friday captured the world’s attention after 50 innocent people were targeted and killed, seemingly for their religion. Yet, at the same time, Christians are being murdered in Nigeria in great numbers.
Christian Slaughter in Nigeria
"Fulani jihadists racked up a death toll of over 120 Christians over the past three weeks in central Nigeria, employing machetes and gunfire to slaughter men, women, and children, burning down over 140 houses, destroying property, and spreading terror." https://t.co/8634w00Z6n
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) March 18, 2019
Since last month, at least “120 people have been killed in a series of alleged attacks by the Fulani militia on Christian communities…” CBN News reports. According to the nonprofit group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), “The organization reported 52 people were killed and 100 homes were destroyed last Monday in the latest attacks on Inkirimi and Dogonnoma villages in Maro, Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA),” reports CBN News.
“The victims included women and children” the report notes.
How horrific was it? “Survivors of the attack told CSW that their assailants divided into three groups,” CBN News notes. “One group shot and killed people, another set fire to homes as people ran away, and the third waited in the bush to intercept fleeing villagers.”
This is awful. Like the New Zealand attacks, these people are obviously the victims of terrorists who are seemingly targeting them for their religion.
So, why is this likely the first time you’re hearing about it?
There were more than 50 Muslims murdered in New Zealand. A tragedy.
There have been hundreds of Christians murdered in Nigeria. A tragedy.
Only one is reported by the media.
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) March 19, 2019
Why Don’t Christian Victims of Terrorism Receive Media Attention?
Faithwire’s Carly Hoilman asks the same question: “The global solidarity and stories of heroism that emerged in the wake of the anti-Muslim attacks in New Zealand have showcased the best of humanity. Christians, Muslims, conservatives, and liberals condemned the merciless killing of innocent worshippers in their place of prayer, highlighting the eternal truth that every life has inherent dignity and value.”
“This is a narrative that all people of goodwill can get behind,” Hoilman notes. “The question that remains, then, is why the media wouldn’t choose to cover other instances of gross injustice with the same vigor?”
Good question. One estimate, according to an anonymous source intimately familiar with the situation, is that “roughly 20,000 people — mostly Christians — have been killed since Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari took office in 2015.”
20,000? Why isn’t this reported more often?
Is it because they are not Westerners?
What you’re saying is dead Christians only matter if they’re westerners
Because 120 were killed in Nigeria & you didn’t say a damn thing https://t.co/fPqIMJ7OFo
— Jim Hanson (@Uncle_Jimbo) March 17, 2019
None of this is meant to undermine the heartfelt and much-needed compassion from around the globe for the needless deaths in New Zealand.
But the innocent Christian men, women, and children who continue to suffer in Nigeria need attention, too.