UN raises alarm over killings and abductions targeting religious minorities in Nigeria

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR has expressed deep concern regarding credible reports of killings, abductions, sexual violence, and forced conversions affecting Christian and other religious minority communities in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt regions. A press release from the UN human rights office highlighted that worsening insecurity has created an environment where armed groups operate with severe consequences for civilians. The OHCHR stated that the testimonies received paint a horrifying picture of fear, trauma, coercion, and abandonment, emphasizing the need to protect and support victims and survivors through justice and reparations. The office noted that violence against religious minorities includes attacks on places of worship, mass displacement, and mob violence linked to blasphemy allegations. Particular concern was raised for women and girls, who face heightened risks of abductions, sexual violence, forced marriage, and forced conversion. The UN rights office referenced specific incidents communicated to the Nigerian government, including abductions and sexual assault of women, the disappearance of girls from a church in Borno State, forced conversion and child marriage in Bauchi State, and an attack on a 16-year-old girl whose hand was allegedly cut off. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence, including attacks on villages and insecurity in displacement camps. The OHCHR urged