Comedian and television host Bill Maher, known for his acerbic wit, is calling out the media for its silence on the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
"If you don't know what's going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble. And, again, I'm not a Christian, but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria," Maher said on his show "Real Time with Bill Maher" on September 27.
Maher famously hosted the show "Politically Incorrect" and has said he is not beholden to any party or ideology. He often provides scathing sociopolitical commentary on his television show and podcast.
Nigeria is the world's deadliest for Christians: experts
Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and its largest economy. It's also the world's deadliest for Christians, according to experts. In recent years, more Christians have been killed in Nigeria than in all other places combined, according to Open Doors, a non-denominational mission supporting persecuted Christians around the world.
This year is proving no different. Radical Muslims killed more than 7,000 Christians in the first seven months of 2025, according to the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, a Nigeria-based watchdog group. An additional 7,800 were kidnapped during the same period. Statistically, that is about 30 Christians being killed and 35 being kidnapped every day.
In June, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the U.S. Department of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
"Further efforts are needed to reduce violence and preserve freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians," said Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi. "The U.S. government should use foreign assistance to address conflict resolution and enhance security sector training so vulnerable religious communities can be better protected."
According to the CIA Factbook, Christians make up 46% of the population, while Nigeria is about 53% Muslim.
Historically, the violence mostly occurred in northern Nigeria, which is majority Muslim. But now Islamic militants, including Boko Haram, Fulani fighters and Islamic State West Africa Province, target Christians in the middle of the country and the south, according to Open Doors. The failure of Nigeria's government to protect Christians has only strengthened the militants' influence, the group says.
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