In a recent video, extremists believed to be from Boko Haram beheaded four abducted individuals in Nigeria’s Borno State, including at least one Christian, according to Open Doors UK.
The video shows a militant, dressed in fatigues and speaking Hausa, vowing to kill “infidels”.
He describes one of the victims as his own sister, stating he would even kill close family who oppose his beliefs.
Open Doors’ legal expert for sub-Saharan Africa, identified as “John Samuel,” explained that Boko Haram frequently targets Christians, whom they consider infidels.
While the faiths of the other victims are unclear, Christians remain particularly vulnerable in northeast Nigeria.
The United Nations estimates that violence from Boko Haram and similar groups has killed around 35,000 civilians and displaced over two million people.
Despite government efforts to encourage displaced persons to return to their homes, many Christians are hesitant due to insecurity and dangers from landmines.
Some who returned were attacked and forced to flee again.
The outlet reported that Boko Haram, aims to overthrow Nigeria’s government and establish Islamic law.
The group, led by Abubakar Shekau since 2010, has expanded its violent tactics to include IEDs, suicide bombings, and even female attackers.
In 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIL, adopting the name “ISIL-West Africa Province.”
Nigeria ranks sixth on Open Doors’ World Watch List for countries where Christians face the most intense persecution.