Nigeria
Gender nonconforming Nigerians balance identity and safety concerns
By Arit Okpo — March 16, 2018
LAGOS -- Facing human rights abuses, gender nonconforming Nigerians want the chance to live and express themselves safely.
Pope backs down, OKs resignation of divisive Nigerian bishop
By Delta Systems — February 19, 2018
(AP) — The case could affect another divisive bishop appointment, Chilean Bishop Juan Barros.
Nigeria police say at least 50 killed in mosque bombing
By Yonat Shimron — November 21, 2017
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — While there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing in Mubi town in Adamawa state, suspicion immediately fell on the Boko Haram extremist group.
Nigerian clergy demand compensation for churches destroyed by Boko Haram
By Lauren Markoe — August 30, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — 'Churches that have been destroyed should be rebuilt by the state governments,' said the Rev. Felix Omobude, the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
US commission: Russia a major violator of religious freedom
By Lauren Markoe — April 26, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) A dissenting report criticizes the commission for failing to investigate Israel.
Gay and lesbian Nigerians seeking deliverance find mental health anguish instead
By Wana Udobang — December 31, 2016
Distrust of Nigeria’s mental health system prevents many sexual and gender minorities from seeking professional help when coming to terms with their faith and sexuality.
Nigerian megachurch’s claim to ‘pray the gay away’ bristles LGBT activists
By Anthony Akaeze — December 28, 2016
Megachurch pastor and televangelist T.B. Joshua's Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) claims to “drive demons” out of sexual minorities on live television. LGBT activists and psychologists say the practice can bring about new harms.
Rice and chicken: Bringing Nigerian Christmas to the US
By Kimberly Winston — December 21, 2016
(RNS) Nigerian-American author Okey Ndibe recalls how, during a civil war, his family plowed all of its available resources into a single meal of rice and -- that rarest of treats -- chicken.
Nigerian Christian group slams ‘satanic antics’ of builders, regulators following church collapse
By Ini Ekott — December 14, 2016
ABUJA, Nigeria (RNS) Building collapses are relatively common in the West African nation and last week a church caved in, killing at least 100 people, witnesses said.
Dozens, as many as 100, killed in Nigeria church collapse
By David Gibson — December 12, 2016
UYO, Nigeria (Reuters) Reports on the casualty toll varied widely amid confusion following the roof collapse during a service over the weekend.
Boko Haram frees 21 kidnapped Chibok girls
By guest — October 13, 2016
The girls were among the 270 taken in 2014 by Boko Haram, which has pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State.
Muslims celebrate lifting of Lagos hijab ban
By Jerome Socolovsky — July 22, 2016
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Muslims in Nigeria are celebrating a court ruling that lifted a ban on girls in public school wearing the hijab in Lagos state.
Nigerian cardinal escapes injury as attacks on clergy mount
By Fredrick Nzwili — May 4, 2016
(RNS) The attack on the cardinal comes amid increasing violence and kidnappings of clergy for ransom in the West African country.
Hope and frustration mark anniversary of Chibok kidnappings
By Fredrick Nzwili — April 12, 2016
(RNS) The abduction shocked the world and gave rise to the global online campaign #bringbackourgirls. Still, the majority of the girls have never been found.
Suicide bombers kill 22 at mosque in Nigeria
By Reuters — March 16, 2016
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria -- The attack by two female suicide bombers occurred during morning prayers.