Syriac politician in Sweden condemns lack of media coverage of horrific massacres of Christians in Nigeria

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Syriac politician in Sweden Aday Bethkinne (Kristdemokraterna, KD) voiced his criticism of the lack of international media attention to recent massacres of Christians in Nigeria.

In a post on Instagram, Bethkinne expressed his deep anger over the brutal attacks on 20 Christian villages situated in a predominantly Muslim region. The onslaught resulted in the tragic loss of 200 lives, including men and children, with 300 others sustaining injuries.

Witnesses reported that security forces only intervened 12 hours after the incidents, during which the deadliest massacre in Nigeria’s history unfolded. Following the bloodshed, the assailants proceeded to set fire to looted homes.

Despite the gravity of the attacks, they have yet to be claimed by any specific group. However, Nigeria’s Christian community has long faced atrocities perpetrated by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Survivors are now gripped by fear, anticipating potential future massacres due to the absence of adequate administration and forces to defend the territory.

Open Doors organization reports that Nigeria ranks 6th among countries where Christian persecutions are frequent. Since 2009, militant Islamist groups have claimed the lives of 50,000 Christians, destroyed 18,000 churches, and obliterated 2,200 Christian schools.

Bethkinne, in his condemnation of the lack of media attention, highlighted the stark contrast between the extensive coverage of other crises, such as those in Gaza, and the limited attention given to the Nigerian massacre.