Persecution of Christians is a persistent problem throughout the northern region of Nigeria. The conflict has been fueled by Muslim terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. According to christianpost.com, more Christians have lost their lives in northern Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined. Reports are pouring in every week of new attacks on Christians, from church bombings to mass killings, and the Nigerian government has taken no decisive action toward this ideal (Stark). However, foreign organizations such as USCIRF and USAID are working to publicize the situation globally. Boko Haram, the main perpetrator of crimes against Christians, has existed since 2002, but starting around 2009 took a more aggressive approach to persecution. Christians. Their goal is to create a separate Islamic state in which they could implement Sharia law. They are from the North, where most of Nigeria's Muslims reside, while Christians mostly live in the South. After President Goodluck Jonathan's victory in the 2010 presidential election, Muslims feared losing political power and attacks increased. Schools and children have been attacked because of their association with Western customs such as education, freedom and anything that benefits Christians. In fact, Boko Haram means “Western education is a sin” (Koopman). In late 2010, they bombed churches at Christmas, killing at least 32 people. The bombings and killings continued between 2011 and 2013. In August 2013, Abubakar Shekau was reportedly killed by the Nigerian army. Very soon after, the Nigerian Minister of Defense also announced that Boko Haram's second in command, Momudu Bama, had killed... middle of paper ......oko Haram had conquered Nigeria. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and allowing it to be invaded could endanger the entire continent. We must make an effort to help them get back on their feet so that in the future they can make positive contributions to life and the world at large (Koopman). Works Cited Gryboski, Michael. “Expert: More Christians killed last year in northern Nigeria than in rest of world combined” christianpost.com November 15, 2013. Web. January 28, 2014. Koopman, Joop. “If Nigeria falls to Islamic extremists, all of Africa will be in danger. » Huffingtonpost.com January 2, 2014. Web. February 10, 2014 Ross, Will. “Did Nigerian military divisions help Boko Haram? BBCNews.com January 31, 2014. Web. February 3, 2014 Stark, William. “Boko Haram Anti-Christian Violence Continues in Northern Nigeria” Salem Web Network. religiontoday.com September 13, 2013. Web. February 10. 2014