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In a country where more than 3,100 Christians were killed in 2024, the testimony of a Nigerian priest sheds light on the daily trials and deep faith of Christians in the southeast region. A Spiritan priest, Father Clément Chimaobi Emefu, refuses to be ruled by fear. He knows that if he feels afraid of the assassinations of the religious people, the spread of Christianity and love of God will slowly die. He said, "Those who threaten us with death make us stronger." In one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian. He says, "What makes us vulnerable strengthens our faith."
The report added, Enugu State, unlike northern Nigeria, has a Christian majority. However, while jihadist attacks by groups such as Boko Haram are more often associated with the north, Fr. Emefu believes the threat to Christians is spreading nationwide. According to him, Christians are facing “a project of Islamization of Nigeria,” which he describes as “an ongoing process” marked by both. One of the most visible threats to Christians in the southeast is the growing number of kidnappings. In the past decade, over 200 priests and religious have been abducted in Nigeria. The beginning of 2025 has already seen a sharp rise, with about a dozen kidnappings, two of which resulted in the death of the victims.
Priests and religious, often travelling alone to serve schools, hospitals, or remote communities, are particularly vulnerable. Fr. Emefu, a Canonist for the Southeastern Spiritan Province of Nigeria, frequently drives over 100 kilometers on unsafe roads to reach his office in Onitsha. His service to God and the people is unparalleled.
Father Clément Chimaobi Emefu
Report Source: Vatican News
The report added, Enugu State, unlike northern Nigeria, has a Christian majority. However, while jihadist attacks by groups such as Boko Haram are more often associated with the north, Fr. Emefu believes the threat to Christians is spreading nationwide. According to him, Christians are facing “a project of Islamization of Nigeria,” which he describes as “an ongoing process” marked by both. One of the most visible threats to Christians in the southeast is the growing number of kidnappings. In the past decade, over 200 priests and religious have been abducted in Nigeria. The beginning of 2025 has already seen a sharp rise, with about a dozen kidnappings, two of which resulted in the death of the victims.
Priests and religious, often travelling alone to serve schools, hospitals, or remote communities, are particularly vulnerable. Fr. Emefu, a Canonist for the Southeastern Spiritan Province of Nigeria, frequently drives over 100 kilometers on unsafe roads to reach his office in Onitsha. His service to God and the people is unparalleled.
Father Clément Chimaobi Emefu
Report Source: Vatican News
