Douglas Burton

The campaign poster for Father Hyacinth Iormen Alia alluded to his well-known healing ministry. | Courtesy of APC campaign

The Suspended Catholic Priest at the Helm of a Nigerian State as Governor

His titles are many: priest, faith healer, exorcist, psychotherapist, and, since May 29, governor of Benue State in Nigeria.

“Horrifying experience”: CNA Freelancer on Witnessing Firefight in Nigeria’s Plateau State

A freelance journalist who has reported on a surge of violent attacks by radicalized Muslims in Nigeria for CNA recently...

Burned vehicles after Good Friday raid on April 7, 2023, in Ngban, Benue state, Nigeria. | Courtesy of Justice, Development, and Peace Commission

Holy Week Attacks on Christian Communities in Nigeria Leave Nearly 100 Dead

At least 94 people reportedly have died in a series of deadly attacks on Christian communities throughout Holy Week in...

Residents of Adunu line up to cast their ballots in Adunu Feb. 25, 2023. | Courtesy of Father Dauda Musa Bahago.

Dozens Still Captive in Nigeria After Deadly Raid on Catholic Town

Armed bandits killed one person and kidnapped more than 100 others in a March 14 raid on a predominantly Catholic...

Ruins after a militia attack in Benue state, Nigeria, during the last week of February 2023. | Credit: Courtesy of Michael Burton/Ignition633.org

Waves of Attacks Displace Catholic Natives in Central Nigeria

The controversial presidential election on Feb. 25 still dominates Nigeria’s main news. Meanwhile, recent terrorist raids in Benue, a predominantly...

Catholic elementary school in Gbeji, Benue State, Central Nigeria. | Courtesy of Kyarto Tyoumbur

Dozens of Catholic Villagers Reportedly Killed in Central Nigeria Raid

Details are still emerging after a violent raid by Fulani herdsmen Oct. 19 in Benue State, Central Nigeria, reportedly left...

Terrorist attacks in Benue State, Nigeria, have forced residents to flee their villages and, in some cases, seek shelter in local Catholic churches and schools. Pictured here is St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Yelewata. | Photo courtesy of Father William Shom

Nigerian Bishop Appeals for Help From European Parliament as Terrorist Attacks Continue

Terrorist attacks in Benue State, Nigeria, have left nine dead since Oct. 8, prompting a Catholic bishop to appeal to...

Formerly detained Father Oliver Opara (left) with Ummi Hassan; Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Diocese of Sokoto (not an abductee); Father Stephen Ojapah; and Hassan Fareed Hassan after the four were released from being held captive by terrorists. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Sokoto

Freed Catholic Priest in Nigeria Recounts Details of His Kidnapping by Insurgents

Father Stephen Ojapah had fallen fast asleep late on May 25 after an exhausting day of parish work when two...

Catholic journalist Luka Binniyat will stand trial on charges of "cyberstalking" after reporting on the massacre of Christians in Nigeria. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Journalist Who Reported on Massacre of Nigerian Christians to Stand Trial

Luka Binniyat, a Catholic human rights reporter, is facing prison after writing an article in which the Nigerian government was...

Photo illustration of Nigerian military uniform. Shutterstock

Christian in Nigerian Village Claim Military Helicopter Fired on Them, Not Bandits

Authorities deny the charge and have tried to reassure villagers the government is on their side.

Catholic Parish in Kaduna, Nigeria, Hard Hit in Last Sunday Attack

“We lost three of our parishioners, and 36 people were kidnapped, the majority of whom were Catholics,” a Nigerian pastor...