Israeli Prime Minister Condemns Violence, Christian Persecution in Nigeria
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the persistent violence and alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, calling on authorities to take urgent steps to protect vulnerable communities and restore peace.
His remarks came in a Christmas message that addressed global concerns about religious freedom and ongoing conflicts affecting civilian populations.
The Israeli leader expressed deep concern over reports of repeated attacks on communities, particularly those involving worship centres, homes, and rural settlements. He described the continued bloodshed as unacceptable and urged an immediate end to actions that have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of families, and widespread fear.
According to him, violence directed at individuals because of their faith undermines basic human rights and threatens national and regional stability.
Netanyahu emphasized that freedom of religion remains a fundamental value that must be safeguarded by all governments. He noted that no society can achieve lasting peace while sections of its population live under constant threat due to their beliefs.
Stressing the importance of tolerance and coexistence, he appealed to Nigerian authorities to intensify security efforts and ensure justice for victims of violence.
The comments add to growing international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, which have persisted for more than a decade. Several regions of the country continue to experience deadly attacks linked to insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts. While these crises are often driven by a combination of economic hardship, competition over land, and criminal activity, concerns about targeted religious attacks have continued to draw global scrutiny.
Nigeria’s government has consistently maintained that the violence is not rooted in religious persecution but rather in complex security and socio-economic factors. Officials have repeatedly highlighted ongoing military operations, intelligence-led interventions, and community-based strategies aimed at restoring order and protecting citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity.
However, humanitarian groups and civil society organisations argue that the impact on civilians remains severe, with thousands killed or displaced and many communities struggling to recover.
They have called for stronger accountability, improved early-warning systems, and long-term solutions that address the underlying causes of conflict.
Netanyahu’s statement, delivered during a period traditionally associated with peace and goodwill, is expected to reignite global discussions on religious freedom, human rights, and the need for coordinated international support to help Nigeria overcome its security challenges and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
