New ICC Report Reveals "Troubling Trends: Escalating Persecution of Christians in Africa"

WASHINGTON, D.C. — International Christian Concern (ICC) has released a comprehensive new report titled "Troubling Trends: Escalating Persecution of Christians in Africa," documenting a disturbing surge in violence and persecution against Christians across the continent during the first quarter of 2025.

Key Findings Show Devastating Pattern

The report details a disturbing rise in targeted attacks, particularly in countries with large Christian populations, such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya. It presents specific incidents from the first quarter of 2025, revealing a pattern of brutal killings, abductions, and displacement.

The research exposes how extremist groups and militant factions are systematically targeting Christian communities through coordinated attacks, bombings, and campaigns of terror designed to force believers from their homes and ancestral lands.

Nigeria Remains Most Dangerous Country

Nigeria, in particular, continues to be identified as one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, with thousands murdered for their faith in recent years, and ongoing violence spreading from northern states into the Middle Belt and further south.

Recent incidents documented by ICC highlight the severity of the crisis. Since January, International Christian Concern (ICC) has documented a dramatic rise in attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria. In just over three months, more than 300 Christians have been killed, dozens abducted, and thousands displaced in a wave of organized violence that has swept across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Ebonyi states.

One of the most devastating recent attacks occurred on Palm Sunday, with at least 56 people, including 15 children, killed and 103 homes burned in Zike village, Plateau state.

Coordinated Violence Across Multiple Nations

The report reveals that violence is not limited to Nigeria. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) detonated a bomb on May 17 in the quiet village of Tenambo, located nearly 20 miles from the city of Beni in North Kivu.

Christians were targeted for their faith in the early morning of April 29, near Bur Abor village in Mandera County, Kenya, demonstrating how persecution extends beyond West and Central Africa into East Africa.

Pattern of Systematic Targeting

"These are not isolated incidents," ICC's Africa Regional Director said. "This is part of a sustained and growing pattern of religiously motivated violence, where Christian communities are deliberately targeted and devastated."

The report documents how perpetrators are often identified as Islamic Fulani militants operating with impunity. ICC field partners report that many attacks are premeditated, targeting Christians during worship or in their homes at night.

International Response Falls Short

The report expresses concern over the international community's insufficient focus on these escalating crises, with neither the U.S. Dept. of State nor the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) yet identifying DRC as a Country of Particular Concern. This designation would enable specific sanctions and policy actions.

Historical context reveals the scope of the crisis. Since the rise of Islamic terrorist groups in 2009, Nigeria's Christian community has faced extremist violence at an alarming rate. From then until today, more than 50,000 Christians have been slaughtered by violent insurgency groups.

Call for Urgent Action

ICC is calling for urgent international attention and action to address these escalating trends. The report highlights ongoing efforts in the U.S. Congress, such as H.Res. 220, which seeks to reinstate Nigeria's classification as a Country of Particular Concern. ICC urges U.S. citizens to contact their representatives and advocate for its passage.

Widespread Impact on Communities

Beyond the immediate violence, the persecution has created a humanitarian crisis. Many survivors report being left without shelter, security, or basic support, while at least 15 farms destroyed or seized, threatening food security and livelihoods for displaced Christian families.

ICC's Mission and Response

International Christian Concern (ICC) serves and equips persecuted Christians in places where it is dangerous to follow Jesus. Since 1995, we have provided critical aid, influenced religious freedom policy, and connected persecuted believers to the global Christian community. Our mission is simple: to rescue, support, and empower those who suffer for Christ, ensuring they are not forgotten.

The "Troubling Trends" report serves as both documentation of current atrocities and a urgent call for international intervention to protect Africa's besieged Christian communities. The full report is available on ICC's website at persecution.org.