A Nigerian preacher is to receive an award for bravery after refusing to give up his ministry following being stabbed in a life-threatening attack by extremists.
Tobias Yahaya is to receive the Aid to the Church in Need’s "Courage to be Christian award" in a special ceremony on Wednesday 19th November 2025 at St George’s Cathedral. Yahaya said he was “most humbled and honoured to receive” the honour after being almost stabbed to death in his home by knife-wielding extremists.
A group of extremists reportedly broke into Yahaya’s bedroom and stabbed him in the chest as he lay in bed. The wounds inflicted were life-threatening, with doctors stating he was inches from certain death and lucky to be alive.
This attack comes as the third and worst attack Yahaya has had in a string of three assaults confirmed in court as religiously motivated.
Despite the ordeal, he returned to his work just three months after the attack.
Despite saying he sometimes feels afraid to continue, Yahaya said he “will do whatever it takes" to share his faith.
The award Yahaya will receive honours inspiring individuals who have shown bravery in the face of Christian persecution.
Yahaya gave his heartfelt thanks for being chosen for this year’s annual award, set to be given in the annual #RedWednesday Mass, stating he was dedicating it to his family and “persecuted Christians all over the world".