Ramadan School Closures Affect Christian Students — The recent directive by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states in Northern Nigeria to close all schools — public and private — for up to five weeks during the Ramadan fast has ignited strong reactions from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF). The groups argue that the closures, which affect millions of students, pose serious threats to education, fairness, and national unity. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh condemned the sweeping school closures as excessive and discriminatory, warning that they could deepen the critical education crisis in northern Nigeria. “While we honor the religious diversity of our nation and recognize the significance of faith, these decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs,” Okoh said.

Hundreds of Thousands Displaced Amid Raging DRC Conflict — As the years-long unrest in central Africa’s DRC continues to escalate, hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced from their homes, according to new statements from Patrick Eba, deputy director of UNHCR’s Division of International Protection. “Near the frontlines, sexual violence and human rights abuses remain rampant, as is the looting and destruction of civilian homes and businesses,” he said in a recent public statement.

ADF Rebels Attack Ngite Village, Kill 4 — The evening of March 8, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels launched a violent attack on the village of Ngite in Beni territory, North Kivu, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), killing four people. Among those who died was a woman who was burned alive in her house. Three houses were set on fire, animals were taken, and other people were kidnapped, leaving the community in mourning and fear. “They came around 2 a.m. and started killing people with machetes,” said Jean, an eyewitness to the attack. “The screams echoed until around 5 a.m.” 

Nigerian Priest Killed After Abduction; U.S. Mission Condemns Attack — After 9 p.m. on March 4, Muslim extremists abducted the Rev. Father Sylvester Okechukwu from his home in Kaduna state. His body was found the following day. Okechukwu served as the pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Tachira, Kaura County, within the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. The diocese confirmed his death and called for an investigation into the killing. The U.S. Mission In Nigeria condemned the murder, describing it as an act of violence. In a statement on its official X account, the mission extended condolences to the priest’s family, congregation, and community.

U.S. Congress Moves to Sanction Nigeria Over Rising Christian Persecution — The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa has approved measures urging President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria due to the widespread persecution of Christians, following a congressional hearing on March 12. Lawmakers condemned the Nigerian government for its failure to protect Christian communities from escalating violence, citing alarming data from multiple human rights organizations. A 2024 report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa revealed that Nigeria accounted for 90% of all Christians killed globally each year. The report documented that between October 2019 and September 2023, at least 55,910 people were killed, and 21,000 others were abducted by terrorist groups operating in the country. 

Sudanese Armed Forces Claim Recapture of Khartoum from Militia Forces — Reports indicate that members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have recaptured Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, after a nearly two-year civil war that has ravaged the country. Abdel al-Burhan, the leader of the SAF, visited the ruined presidential palace in Khartoum Wednesday, declaring Khartoum “now free.”

Islamic Extremists Kill 4 Christians — The peaceful Irigwe community in Bassa County, Plateau state,has been rocked by two devastating attacks in less than 24 hours, claiming the lives of four individuals. This latest wave of brutality shows the ongoing insecurity faced by Christian farming communities, increasingly targeted by Fulani militias in the region. On the evening of March 23, a gruesome ambush unfolded as three men made their way home from Kwall. The victims have been identified as John Avia, 48; Sunday Vickson, 32; and Peter Vickson, 30. 

ADF Attacks Village, Kills 9 Christians — Militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched a brutal assault on the village of Ngohi Vuyinga in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on March 8, killing at least nine people. The attack began at dawn, catching villagers by surprise. Armed with guns and machetes, the ADF fighters targeted the farming community, swiftly overpowering the residents. The assault, which included the destruction of homes, left dozens of families displaced, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Samuel Kagheni, a local civil society leader, warned that the death toll could increase.

Suspect Fulani Militants Kill 11 in Brutal Assault on Christian Farming Community — Suspected Fulani militants killed 11 Christians during a nighttime raid on the Christian farming community of Ruwi B2 village in Bokkos County, Nigeria, on March 27. This tragic incident is a part of the ongoing challenges of insecurity in Plateau State, particularly for vulnerable rural Christian communities. Among the deceased were a pregnant woman, her husband, and a 10-year-old girl, prompting an urgent call for action to address these pressing safety concerns. 

Death sentence overturned for three Americans over DR Congo coup attempt — Three Americans convicted for their role in a failed coup in Democratic Republic of Congo last year have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, the presidency has said. They were among 37 people sentenced to death last September by a military court. The three were accused of leading an attack on both the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi last May.

Outrage in Somalia after man says he married missing eight-year-old — Outrage has spread in Somalia after an eight-year-old girl, who had been missing for six months, was found living with a man who said he was her husband. The girl was reported missing by her family in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland last September. Months later, it emerged the girl's father had consented for her to be married to an adult named Sheikh Mahmoud. Security forces surrounded the man's house last week and forced their way in after he locked himself in a room with the girl.

Ethiopia PM seeks new Tigray leader amid fears of war — In an effort to quell rising tensions in its troubled Tigray region, Ethiopia's prime minister has said he will appoint a new leader in the area. Tigray's interim President Getachew Reda fled to the capital, Addis Ababa, earlier this month following a power struggle in the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which runs the region. In a novel approach, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asked Tigrayans to suggest who the region's new leader should be via email.

UP Authorities Arrest 10 More Christians on Charges of Illegal Conversions — More than 10 Christians were recently arrested in different parts of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) on charges of illegal religious conversions under the Uttar Pradesh Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Act. These arrests are part of an escalating pattern of intimidating Christians under the controversial anti-conversion law that was amended last year, giving sweeping powers to UP authorities to arrest anyone accused of conversion based on complaints by random individuals not related to the victims.

Chinese Government Boasts About Increased Persecution in 2024  — In statements on social media and state-owned media platforms, China is celebrating an increase in government persecution of religious minorities in 2024. The Chinese government views religious freedom as a threat to the exclusive loyalty it believes is owed to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which rules the country, and broadly labels non-state religious groups as cults regardless of their actual beliefs. “China’s public security authorities intensified efforts to dismantle cult organizations in 2024,” the Global Times, a media outlet run by the CCP, reported last month. “They have worked to curb the growth and spread of cult organizations, mitigating potential threats to national political security and maintaining social stability.” 

Two Christian Men Rearrested in Iran — Iranian authorities rearrested two Christian men, Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh in Parand and Joseph Shahbazian in Tehran, at their respective homes on Feb. 6, and transferred them to Evin Prison. Charges haven’t been formally announced and the reason for the arrests remains unknown. Both men, who are in their 60s, were previously imprisoned for their involvement in Christian house churches but had been released. 

Residents Reject Use of Building as Place of Worship — Residents who are members of the Arcamanik Berbhineka Residents Communication Forum held a demonstration to reject the use of a building for Catholic worship activities on March 5 in Jalan Ski Air, Arcamanik, Bandung, West Java. After Catholics held Ash Wednesday mass, the congregation entered a fasting period for Lent. The demonstration, carried out by the fasting Muslims, caused the church to vacate the church building after completing the opening service for the Easter series due to pressure from residents.

Sectarian Violence in Syria Swells, Concerning Rights Observers — Sparked by a surprise attack on government troops late last week, western Syria experienced a significant spate of violence over the weekend, leading to more than 1,000 deaths. The fighting is ongoing, with civilians — many of whom were Christians — reportedly representing the bulk of fatalities.

Christian Persecution Continues in Myanmar — The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) convened a hearing on Feb. 27 to discuss the continuing deterioration of religious freedom in Myanmar. During his opening remarks at the hearing, USCIRF Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik stated that “over the past four years, Myanmar has sunk into a human rights and humanitarian abyss.” The Southeast Asian nation holds a Buddhist majority population, and its government has, for many years, pushed a Buddhist nationalist agenda.  

Myanmar Announces Elections Amid Continued Unrest, Unrelenting Persecution — General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military junta ruling Myanmar, has announced that the country will hold general elections either in December 2025 or in January 2026. The move comes as part of a broader effort by the junta to shore up support from the international community while, at home, continuing a decades-long campaign of violence and intimidation against religious and ethnic minorities across the country.

Indian State Official Calls for Death Penalty for Forced Religious Conversions — The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh recently declared during a public meeting that he plans to seek the death penalty for those who engage in forced or fraudulent religious conversions. Mohan Yadav made the statement on March 8 at the state capital Bhopal, claiming the state has the legal right to punish those engaged in forced religious conversions in the same way it punishes those who rape minors: with the death penalty. “Religious conversion will not be tolerated,” Yadav said to applause.

Christians Protest Anti-Conversion Law — On March 6, nearly 200,000 Christians in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in India peacefully protested a proposal to implement an anti-conversion law that had remained dormant for 45 years. The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), the state’s largest Christian organization, led the protest. The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) was enacted in October 1978 to safeguard the traditional religious practices of indigenous communities from external influence or coercion. But it was never implemented.

Residents Reject Plans to Build a Church in Wakatobi — Muslim residents in Wakatobi held a demonstration in front of the Wangi-Wangi sub-district office on Monday, March 10, to reject the construction of a church in the South Wandoka area of Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi Province. Sudiadi Siregar submitted the application for the construction of the church on Feb. 3 requesting recommendations on the suitability of land and building utilization activities for residential homes or prayer houses in the South Wandoka area. 

3 Churches Attacked in Andhra Pradesh — Hindu nationalist mobs attacked three churches during recent Sunday worship services, leaving the local Christian communities in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh shaken. Church leaders said that this is the first time such attacks have occurred in Andhra Pradesh and said the attacks seem to be well-planned. Hindu nationalist organizations have grown in number across the country since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the 2014 parliamentary elections and came to power.

Indonesian Officials Again Reject Christian School in Parepare — Although the construction permit for the Gamaliel Christian School has been approved, the Parepare City Government, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, recommended that construction be stopped after a group of demonstrators protested plans for the school in their predominantly Muslim community. Efforts to reject the building of a Christian school in Prepare started in 2018. On Sept. 20, 2024, demonstrators from the Parepare Islamic Community Forum (FM2P) protested as the school’s construction began once all the building permit requirements were complete. A month later, demonstrators again urged the government to reject the construction of the school.

3 Iranian Christians Receive Severe Prison Sentences — As extreme Christian persecution continues in Iran, three Christian converts in the nation received a combined total of nearly 42 years in prison on March 8 for practicing their faith. Narges Nasri, who is currently pregnant, Mehran Shamloui, and Abbas Soori were arrested in early November 2024 when authorities raided their homes in Tehran. All three converts were members of house churches. 

Military Junta in Myanmar Bombed Earthquake Survivors — Multiple reports from around Myanmar indicate that the military junta ruling the country bombed civilians as they scrambled to recover from a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country Friday. Military planes bombed northern Shan state less than three hours after the earthquake, according to reports, with more strikes following soon after in Karen State, the quake’s epicenter Sagaing, and in areas close to the Thai border. In contrast, the National Unity Government—which opposes the junta—announced that its militia forces would immediately begin a two-week pause in areas impacted by the earthquake to facilitate humanitarian activities.

Attacks Against Christians Quadruples in India According to New Report — The Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Religious Liberty Commission (EFIRLC) verified 640 incidents of violence and discrimination against Christians in India in 2024, which is more than quadruple the 147 cases recorded in 2014. Though the commission was able to confirm 640 incidents of persecution, a total of 840 cases were actually reported. A spokesperson for the EFIRLC explained that there are likely many more Christians who have been victimized for their faith but are afraid to come forward. 

Chinese House Church Pastor Sentenced to 5 Years – Pastor Wan Changchun of Living Stone Reformed House Church in Bengbu, Anhui, has been sentenced to five years in jail. Pastor Wan was arrested in early April 2023, as reported by Bitter Winter. He was charged and sentenced for alleged fraud connected to the operation of their house church. Chinese communist officials and police often use fraud allegations and charges to accuse, harass, arrest, and ultimately imprison Christians- especially pastors and Christian leaders to attempt to shut down their unregistered house churches.

19 year old man the first Australian jailed for sharing beheading videos — A 19-year-old man has become the first Australian convicted of sharing violent Islamic State content on social media. The man admitted in the Perth District Court he had shared videos of beheadings produced by the terrorist organisation, as well as audio recordings encouraging extreme violence and contempt for people based on their religious beliefs or ethnicity.

Students and teachers at St Charbel’s College in Punchbowl evacuated after bomb threat — Students and teachers at a Sydney school were evacuated after an anonymous bomb threat was made on Friday morning. St Charbel’s College in Punchbowl received a call about 8.20am on Friday as students from kindergarten to year 12 were arriving for school. Parents were sent a message that read the “school received an anonymous bomb threat this morning”.

Body found in floodwaters and troops injured in Australia storm — Australian authorities say a body has been found in floodwaters and 13 military workers injured in a vehicle crash as wild weather from a tropical storm lashes the country's eastern coast. Cyclone Alfred, which was downgraded to a tropical low on Saturday, made landfall near the Queensland capital city of Brisbane in the evening local time. Officials have warned residents to stay indoors and remain vigilant, saying the storm's threat is "not over".

Teen armed with gun overpowered by passengers onboard plane — Police in Australia have charged a 17-year-old who got on a plane with a shotgun and ammunition.He was filmed being wrestled to the ground by passengers and crew as the aircraft prepared to take off from Avalon Airport, near Melbourne, carrying 160 people bound for Sydney on Thursday afternoon. Police believe the teenager got onto the airport tarmac by breaching a security fence, before climbing the front steps to the plane, where he was tackled to the ground near the front door.

U.K. Chaplain Fired for Sermon on Biblical Sexuality Wins Appeal to Challenge Dismissal  — On March 4, a British appeals court decided that the Rev. Dr. Bernard Randall could challenge what he deemed as an unfair firing for a sermon he delivered in his official capacity as a school chaplain. “I am very pleased and thankful for today’s decision and am relieved that Judge Butler’s previous ruling has been acknowledged in court,” said Dr. Russel in a statement following the ruling. “Nevertheless, the continuing long wait for justice is painful and holding back my life.”

Cannabis worth €2.2m seized in Donegal — Cannabis with an estimated value of more than €2m (£1.8m) has been seized in County Donegal. Gardaí (Irish police) and revenue officers seized the drugs in Lifford on Tuesday in a joint operation involving the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Donegal Divisional Drugs Unit and Revenue's Custom Service. About 112kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €2.2m (£1.84m) was seized in the operation.

At least five killed in explosion at Spanish mine

At least five people have died in an explosion at a mine in northern Spain, officials say. The blast happened at the Cerredo mine in Degaña, Asturias, some 450km (278 miles) north-west of Madrid around 09:30 (07:30 GMT) on Monday. Emergency services said they had been called about a "problem with a machine" at the mine. Ambulances, fire and rescue services were sent.

Five people injured in stabbing in Amsterdam, police say — Five people have been injured following a stabbing near the central Dam Square in Amsterdam, police say. The injured include two Americans, a Polish man, a Belgian woman and a Dutch woman. The youngest is 19 and the oldest 73, police add. The male suspect, who has been arrested, was overpowered with the help of bystanders and taken to hospital with a leg injury.

A man in his 60s has been arrested following the seizure of cocaine worth €10.6m (£8.4m) in the Republic of Ireland — Gardaí (Irish police) said 152 kg of cocaine (subject to analysis), was found on Tuesday in "a sophisticated vehicle concealment". A heavy goods vehicle was intercepted on the M9 in County Kilkenny shortly after 10:00 local time and there were searches of two business premises and a residential property in Waterford.

Proposed Senate Resolution Recognizes Persecution of Christians — The United States Senate could soon pass S.Res.52, a resolution that reaffirms religious freedom as a fundamental human right globally. Introduced in early February by Senator James Lankford (R-OK), the legislation expresses concern over the escalating global threats to religious liberty. Unfortunately, Christians have faced the brunt of this persecution, with an average of 13 believers being killed every day because of their faith.  

Faith in the Digital Age: Can Technology Help Persecuted Christians? – Technology, just like money, is a tool that can be used for good or evil. We know that technology has increased persecution. It also has profoundly improved the lives of persecuted Christians, offering them crucial support and protection. Secure communication platforms, such as encrypted messaging apps, play a critical role by allowing these individuals to stay in touch with their families, support networks, and international organizations while preserving their safety. These tools ensure privacy and security through end-to-end encryption, safeguarding against interception and unauthorized access. 

Satanic Message Found at Vandalized Catholic Church in Kansas — Federal and local authorities are investigating a possible hate crime after a Catholic church in Wichita, Kansas, was vandalized, and a Satanic message was left behind. According to the Wichita Police Department, officers who responded to the burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Saturday morning found “extensive vandalism,” including hate speech, and damage to statues, candles, and glass. “This reprehensible act of vandalism will not be tolerated,” Police Chief Joe Sullivan said. “Our officers and investigators worked tirelessly to bring this suspect to justice.” 

Pro-life activist assaulted, bloodied during street interview about abortion — A pro-life activist was punched in the face on Thursday in New York City during a street interview gone horribly wrong. A video clip captured pro-life influencer Savannah Craven Antao getting hit in the face by her interview subject while asking her questions about abortion and unborn children. Footage of the aftermath of the assault revealed Antao cut and bloodied by the altercation that she had while doing the segment for the pro-life advocacy organization Live Action.

Nicaragua Withdraws from Human Rights Council in Wake of Scathing Report — After consolidating power in the presidency earlier this year, Nicaragua withdrew Friday from the U.N. Human Rights Council. Two days earlier, a group of U.N. experts released a strongly worded report rebuking President Daniel Ortega’s regime for its systematic crackdown on human rights, democratic norms, and religious groups. “We are seeing the methodical repression of anyone who dares to challenge Ortega and Murillo’s grip on power,” said Ariela Peralta, an expert who contributed to the report. “This is a government at war with its own people.” As part of the recent consolidation of power, Ortega announced his wife, Rosario Murillo, as co-president. He has since brought the legislative and judicial branches under his authority. 

At least 12 dead in Honduras plane crash — At least 12 people have been killed after a plane crashed off the Caribbean coast of Honduras on Monday evening, officials said. The aircraft - operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa - crashed into the sea within a minute of take-off from the island of Roatán. The Honduran national police and fire department separately said five people had been rescued, while one person is yet to be found. The cause of the crash is not yet known, but Roatán's mayor told local media it wasn't because of the weather, which was normal. The Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency said an investigation was underway.

Deadly floods engulf Argentine city after fierce storm — At least 13 people have died in floods in the Argentine port city of Bahía Blanca, following torrential rains. Eight hours of non-stop rainfall destroyed roads and bridges on Friday, flooding buildings and leaving large parts of the city without electricity. More than 1,100 people had to leave their homes and newborn babies were evacuated from a hospital.

Bus crash kills at least 37 in Bolivia — At least 37 people have died and 30 left injured after two passenger buses collided in Bolivia, police said. The crash happened early on Saturday about 5km (3 miles) from the south-western city of Uyuni. One of the drivers was receiving intensive care while the other was in a stable condition, police commander Wilson Flores said. Images published in Bolivian media showed a badly damaged coach with its bodywork ripped off and luggage scattered on the roadside.

Haiti police raid gang leader's stronghold in capital — The government of Haiti says police have launched a large-scale operation in a shantytown controlled by powerful gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, who is widely known as Barbecue. The authorities say several gang members have been killed in the Lower Delmas area of the capital Port-au-Prince. Local reports say military drones carrying explosives are being used in the operation. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé praised the assault. He said it was the work of a special task force created two days ago to tackle insecurity.