Land Grabbing, Violence and Persecution in Nigeria with Clint Lyons and Paul U.

Did you know that 90% of the persecution that Christians face throughout the world comes from one region? Nigeria has seen a trajectory of violence aimed at Christians in recent years and in today’s episode we’re unpacking all the layers behind targeted massacres in the area. Joining the show are Clint Lyons and Paul U. who are with iReach Global, a Christian nonprofit that is serving the church and creating bridges of peace in the country.

Conversation Notes

  • An introductory word from Brandon about the violence that we see in the world and if it’s okay to treat certain violence as justified by Christians
  • Paul describes a recent massacre that took place in a Nigerian village
  • Understanding the targeted violence by Muslim Fulani herdsmen pointed towards Nigerian Christians
  • The intersections of religion and vocation and the multilayered nature of conflict
  • Understanding the gradients between African folk religion and Islam

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Resources and Links from the show

iReach Global Online

AP Article from 2023

AP Article from 2025

NPR News Coverage from 2025

Support the Show Through Venmo – @canopyintl

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Published by Brandon Stiver

Follower of Christ. Husband to Melissa. Father to Moses, Promise, Shepherd and Bishop. Passionately pursuing progress, justice and peace in the nations. Principal at Canopy International. Podcaster at Think Global, Do Justice. Based in Tacoma, WA with roots in Southern California and Northern Tanzania.

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