Canadian politician Andrew Scheer has accused the global community of ignoring what he described as the “systematic persecution of Christians” in Nigeria, sparking fresh debate about religious violence in the country.
Scheer, who represents Regina–Qu’Appelle in Canada’s House of Commons and is a former Conservative Party leader, alleged that Boko Haram and allied militias are waging a genocidal campaign.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament and in a video shared on X, he claimed that 7,000 Christians had been killed this year alone, 3.5 million displaced, and an average of three churches destroyed daily.
“The world has largely ignored the persecution of Christians in Nigeria: 7,000 killed, 3.5 million displaced, and three churches destroyed every day. It’s time to break the silence, raise awareness, and support those enduring unimaginable suffering,” he said.
Scheer recalled Boko Haram’s history of mass killings, abductions, and arson, citing the 2014 kidnapping of schoolgirls and the burning alive of civilians. He warned that many Christians are now forced to worship secretly or in the ruins of destroyed churches.
His comments were echoed by U.S. comedian Bill Maher, who on his HBO show Real Time last month described the violence in Nigeria as “genocide.” Maher claimed more than 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 and at least 18,000 churches destroyed. U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace publicly thanked him for raising awareness.
Nigerian Government’s Rebuttal
However, the Nigerian government has strongly rejected suggestions that Christians are being systematically targeted.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Sunday, dismissed rampant reports on alleged attacks on Christians as “false and divisive,” insisting that extremist groups attack people of all faiths, including Muslims, Christians, and those with no religion.
Watch the video below …
The world has largely ignored the persecution of Christians in Nigeria: 7,000 killed, 3.5 million displaced, and three churches destroyed every day.
It’s time to break the silence, raise awareness, and support those enduring unimaginable suffering. pic.twitter.com/9S6649YLVf
— Andrew Scheer (@AndrewScheer) October 2, 2025