The following are among the abuses and murders inflicted on Christians by Muslims throughout the month of December 2023.
Christmas Slaughters
Nigeria: Beginning on Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day, Muslim terrorists massacred nearly 200 Christians. Well-armed Muslim Fulani tribesmen hacked, stabbed, riddled with bullets and burned alive Christians, many of whom were in the process of celebrating Christmas. According to one report:
“At least 25 communities across three Local Government Areas [in Plateau State] were targeted. Survivors recounted militia men attacking in large numbers, indiscriminately killing and destroying homes, vehicles, farmlands and other properties. About 37 individuals, primarily women, children and the disabled, were burned to death in their homes. Eight churches and parsonages were also destroyed…”
More than 300 Christians were left seriously wounded; 29,350 people displaced, and countless homes and churches—in just one village, 221 homes—torched during the jihadist raids. “My house was burnt,” said Naomi, a local whose four family members were murdered, “and I mourned on Christmas day.”
Saudi Arabia sets out the terms for normalizing relations with Israel
Several Christian leaders were also killed, including one pastor, his wife, and five children, said Dawzino Mallau, another local: “These terrorists who attacked these Christian communities were in the hundreds,” he added, “and they carried out the attacks as the hapless Christians were preparing for Christmas programs lined up by their pastors.” Another report stated:
“Most of the Christians killed were women, children and the elderly unable to escape….. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in the Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose Islam… Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people.”
Philippines: On Sunday, Dec. 3, Muslim terrorists bombed a Catholic mass being held in the gymnasium of Mindanao State University, Marawi. Four Christians—three women and one man—were killed, and more than 50 injured. “The explosion caused panic among dozens of worshippers and left the victims bloodied and sprawled on the ground,” said the campus security chief. “At least two of the wounded were fighting for their lives.” Based on camera footage, the terrorists arrived on motorcycle and left a bag full of explosives in the gymnasium before riding away.
Continue here: Gatestone Institute
