Prof. Helen I. A. Oyekanmi, PhD, FAR.
Chairman, WAATI, Nigeria
Baptist College of Theology, Oyo
Festus Olu Ade Alade, D. Min., Ph.D.
Zion Baptist Church, Adewole, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-4825-9745
Abstract
This paper critically examines the state of religious freedom and the dynamics of Christian persecution in contemporary Africa, with particular emphasis on Nigeria as a representative case study. Despite constitutional guarantees and international human rights commitments, empirical evidence reveals persistent patterns of violence, displacement, insecurity, and social exclusion affecting Christian communities across several regions of Nigeria. The study argues that persecution in Nigeria is neither accidental nor episodic, but structurally embedded within a complex interaction of governance failure, religious extremism, ethno-political competition, economic inequality, climate-induced pressures, and historical grievances. Through qualitative and analytical engagement with documented incidents in the North-East, North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South-West, the paper demonstrates that violence against Christians in Nigeria has evolved into a geographically widespread phenomenon with national implications. Theologically, the paper interrogates traditional interpretations of persecution and martyrdom that emphasise passive endurance while neglecting justice, advocacy, and public responsibility. It proposes a contextual public theology rooted in justice, reconciliation, peacebuilding, and social engagement. The paper concludes that sustainable protection of religious freedom in Nigeria requires an integrated framework involving state accountability, interreligious dialogue, security reform, economic justice, and theological renewal.
Keywords
Religious freedom; Christian persecution; Nigeria; Boko Haram; Middle Belt violence; public theology; ethno-religious conflict.
Article Information
Article Type: Research Article
Journal: FUTS Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (FJMS)
Publication Status: Pre-Inaugural Publication
Publication Date: October 2026