Abuja: A Catholic Church official in Nigeria has raised deep concern over the growing dangers faced by missionaries in the country, warning that spreading the Gospel has become increasingly difficult due to insecurity, persecution, and lack of resources.
Speaking on the occasion of World Mission Sunday 2025, Father Solomon Patrick Zaku, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Nigeria, said missionary work in the country has turned into a journey of faith often carried out under fear and uncertainty.
“In Nigeria, it is not easy to be a missionary. There are times you want to go to a particular place, but you are afraid. You do not know what will happen on the road,” Father Zaku said. “We have had cases of priests, religious, and lay people attacked and killed while worshipping God.”
He explained that in some northern parts of Nigeria, Christians are denied freedom of worship, often prevented from acquiring land to build churches or restricted from preaching publicly.
“When someone is denied freedom to build a church or preach the gospel, that is persecution,” he said.
Beyond physical threats, Father Zaku noted that the Church in Nigeria faces severe financial challenges. Many convents and seminaries struggle to support new members due to lack of funds and resources. “Some convents cannot take in more novices because they lack accommodation or funds to feed them. The Church in Nigeria survives through charity. There is no subvention from the government to support those on mission,” he explained.
According to the Pontifical Mission Societies, Nigeria currently has more than 40 minor seminaries, 20 major seminaries, and about 25 spiritual seminaries. Over 1000 Nigerian missionaries are serving in various parts of the world.
Father Zaku urged Catholics to support the Church’s missionary work through prayer and generosity. “If you cannot go on mission, you can give. We ask people to pray for the success of the mission and to support those who have gone out,” he said.
This year’s World Mission Sunday is observed under the theme “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples,” reflecting the Church’s global call to spread hope amid challenges and suffering.
The appeal comes at a time when violence against Christians continues to rise in Nigeria. Church leaders have repeatedly warned of systematic attacks in several states, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions.
Human rights groups and Catholic organizations have urged authorities to do more to protect Christian communities and uphold freedom of worship.
As the Church in Nigeria marks Mission Sunday, Father Zaku’s message serves as a reminder that while the call to evangelize remains strong, those answering that call often do so at great personal risk, sustained only by faith, courage, and the generosity of believers who stand behind them.