By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Securing America.

In Nigeria, the shadows of history cast a long and devastating impact on its Christian communities. These communities are not only fighting for their rights but also for their survival in a landscape marked by persecution. The complexities of this struggle were the focus of Frank Gaffney’s latest discussion on ‘Securing America’, where he was joined by Dede Laugesen and Mike Arnold to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian Christians.

An Overlooked Tragedy

The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a topic that often escapes international attention. As Frank Gaffney noted, it is a ‘history that has been suppressed’ and remains a difficult subject for policymakers to address openly. The discussion highlights how this suppression has made it challenging to bring the issue to the forefront of international discourse, even as atrocities continue.

Dede Laugesen, celebrated as ‘Mama Nigeria’ by those she works with, and Mike Arnold, known as the ‘Earthshaker’, are both deeply involved in efforts to support Nigerian Christians. Their insights reveal a dire situation exacerbated by historical conflicts and geopolitical neglect.

The Legacy of Biafra

To understand the present, the episode delves into the past, exploring the Biafra conflict of the 1960s. Mike Arnold provided a detailed overview of this period, explaining how ethnic and regional tensions ignited a civil war. The Igbo people, primarily Christian and residing in the southeastern region known as Biafra, faced extreme violence during this time, with ‘30,000 killed in one day’ as the northern forces launched a brutal pogrom.

This conflict left deep scars and set a precedent for the marginalization and persecution of Christians, a situation compounded by the British colonial legacy, which favored the Muslim North. The conversation underscores how these historical injustices continue to influence Nigeria’s political landscape today.

Current Threats and Global Indifference

Today, the threats facing Nigerian Christians have evolved but remain just as severe. Radical Islamic groups have intensified their attacks, often with little intervention from the international community. As Arnold pointed out, ‘indifference to the travesties’ in Nigeria prevails in Western countries, leaving many victims without a voice on the global stage.

This indifference is partly attributed to geopolitical interests, such as Nigeria’s oil reserves, which have historically swayed international alliances and responses. The episode calls attention to the need for a more concerted global effort to address these ongoing violations of human rights.

Books and New Media as Catalysts for Change

Mike Arnold’s work, including his books ‘Epicenter: Nigeria, Radical Islam and the War for Global Order’ and ‘Uprising: Time for Christians to Rise and Shine’, aims to raise awareness and inspire action. His upcoming film, ‘Me and Mrs. Hanatu’, is anticipated to further illuminate the human stories behind these statistics and headlines.

These projects strive to engage a wider audience by providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play and the resilience of those who continue to fight for their faith and freedom amidst adversity.

Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Action

The discussion on ‘Securing America’ serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the plight of persecuted Christians in Nigeria. By examining the historical roots and contemporary challenges, it highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of indifference and taking meaningful action to support these communities.

As the episode illustrates, the struggle of Nigeria’s Christians is not just a regional issue but a global concern that requires awareness and intervention from the international community.

The full episode of Securing America is available on OBBM Network TV.