In the midst of the world's Christmas celebrations, Nigeria is mourning the tragic loss of over 100 Christians who were brutally killed in what has been described as a never-ending massacre. Amnesty International reports that armed bandits ran amok in approximately 20 communities across central Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of more than 140 individuals. However, some sources suggest that the death toll may be closer to 200, highlighting the difficulty in obtaining accurate statistics in the country.

The targeted killings occurred in Plateau State, which serves as a dividing line between the predominantly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south. Christians make up 46% of Nigeria's population, according to multiple sources. The Rev. Johnnie Moore, a prominent evangelist, expressed his disbelief on social media, stating, "There was yet another Christmas massacre of Christians in Nigeria yesterday. Just unbelievable."

According to Intersociety, a civil society group based in Onitsha, more than 52,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 in Nigeria, with the victims often being butchered or hacked to death simply because of their faith. The recent attacks in Plateau State have drawn condemnation from the international community, including the U.S. State Department. A spokesperson expressed deep concern over the violence and emphasized the importance of accountability.

The situation in Nigeria is further complicated by the rise of jihadist groups, particularly Boko Haram, which has been described as Nigeria's own version of ISIS. Political analyst Walid Phares warns that these jihadists are gradually becoming the country's ISIS, repressing moderate Muslims and massacring Christians. Their attacks in Plateau State are aimed at removing Christians and seizing their lands.

The Rev. Johnnie Moore, who has extensive experience in religious freedom advocacy, asserts that western Africa, particularly parts of Nigeria, is the single worst place in the world to be a Christian. He draws a chilling comparison, stating that when ISIS was at its height in Iraq and Syria in 2015, terrorists in one state in Nigeria killed more Christians than all those killed by the ISIS caliphate combined.

Eyewitnesses recount the horror of the Christmas attacks, noting that it took up to 12 hours for help to arrive. Former Nigerian chief of army staff, Ty Danjuma, claims that government troops collude with the attackers, facilitating their movements and providing cover. The State Department spokesperson acknowledges concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria and emphasizes its role as a key U.S. foreign policy priority.

Critics argue that the Biden administration should do more to address the situation. Human rights groups have protested the decision to remove Nigeria from the State Department's list of "Countries of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations. However, there is still hope for peace in Nigeria. Phares suggests that the U.S., EU, and the U.N. should create a platform for Muslim moderates and Christians in Nigeria, providing support to civil society.

The urgency to stop the killings is paramount. Moore calls for immediate action, stating that more can and must be done to address the dire situation in Nigeria. The international community must recognize the gravity of the situation and work together to protect the rights and lives of Christians and moderate Muslims in the country.