In an alarming revelation, the Rector of St. Augustine Major Seminary in Jos, Nigeria, has expressed concerns that the country may witness the highest number of Christian martyrs in the 21st century if the persecution against Christians continues. Fr. Peter Hassan highlighted the pervasive insecurity faced by Christians in Plateau State, attributing it to armed Fulani jihadists and organized militia groups.

Fr. Hassan emphasized that nearly every Christian in Plateau State has been a victim of violence, with the entire Northern Nigeria region experiencing turmoil. He noted that various groups, including Boko Haram, herdsmen, and unknown gunmen, contribute to a relentless war aimed at terror, death, and the displacement of entire villages. The impact of insecurity is deeply felt, affecting seminarians, staff, and their families, with concerns about the safety and well-being of loved ones.

The Rector revealed the toll on emotional and psychological health at the seminary due to the uncertainty surrounding the fate of family members, colleagues, and alumni in affected areas. Additionally, the displacement of villagers, who were the main sources of food for the seminary, has led to skyrocketing food costs, straining limited resources.

Despite the challenges, Fr. Hassan commended the resilience of Christians in Jos, who, during past periods of violence, continued to attend church, expressing a conviction that it is better to die in the house of God than elsewhere. This resilience, he explained, reflects the faith of a people now wholly reliant on God for everything.

Addressing the role of authorities in protecting Christians, Fr. Hassan expressed widespread skepticism, stating that many believe the government is either overwhelmed or lacks the political will to address the insecurity crisis. Allegations of security forces being unresponsive or delayed in their actions further contribute to the hopelessness and desperation felt by the Christian community.

Fr. Hassan acknowledged preventive measures in urban areas but highlighted the inadequacy of such measures in rural and hard-to-reach areas, where communities are left at the mercy of assailants. Despite the hostility faced by Christians, the Church has been actively engaging in dialogue, understanding, and collaboration with adherents of other religions to address community issues.

In conclusion, the seminary rector emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to counter the escalating persecution and insecurity faced by Christians in Nigeria, painting a dire picture of the potential for the country to lead in the tragic tally of Christian martyrs in this century.