In a deeply moving testimony a Nigerian man identified as Habila has shared the traumatic experience of surviving an attack by armed extremists who demanded that he deny his Christian faith or face death His story reflects the ongoing persecution faced by Christians in parts of Nigeria and the courage of those who choose faith over fear .
According to Habila the attackers stormed his home at night shouting orders and brandishing weapons He recalled that they gathered the people in the house and began questioning them about their religion The leader of the armed group asked him directly whether he was a Christian or Muslim Habila without hesitation responded that he was a Christian .
He explained that the leader then told him that if he denied being a Christian and converted to Islam they would spare his life However Habila firmly refused to betray his faith The militants seeing his resolve decided to carry out their threat .
In his emotional account Habila described how one of the attackers raised his weapon and fired directly at his face The bullet hit him in the nose leaving him critically injured but miraculously alive He fell to the ground bleeding and unconscious assuming that death was certain .
Also Read : Bukola Arugba Faces Fans Accusation Amid Broken Relationship With Damola Olatunji
When the attackers left thinking he was dead neighbors and relatives later found him struggling to breathe They rushed him to a nearby hospital where doctors worked tirelessly to save his life Despite losing a significant portion of his face and enduring unimaginable pain Habila said he never regretted standing by his belief .
Habila recounted how his wife and young son were present during the attack They witnessed the horrific event but miraculously escaped unharmed He said his wife’s prayers and support helped him find strength even after losing much of his ability to speak and breathe normally for months .
He expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and giving him another chance to testify about his faith His survival story has inspired many across the Christian community and human rights organizations have hailed his resilience as a powerful symbol of religious freedom and courage under persecution .
Faith Under Fire A Test of Conviction
Habila’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many people living in regions where religious intolerance remains high His refusal to deny his Christian identity even in the face of death demonstrates the depth of his conviction and faith .
He said that the experience brought him closer to God and taught him the real meaning of forgiveness He explained that while he still carries the physical scars from that night he has chosen to forgive his attackers and pray for them He believes that hatred can only be overcome by love and that forgiveness brings healing to the soul .
Human rights advocates have often cited similar incidents as evidence of the need for stronger protection of religious minorities in northern Nigeria According to reports from local and international watchdog groups thousands of Christians have been attacked over the years by extremist elements operating in the region .
Resilience And The Power Of Testimony
Today Habila uses his story to encourage others who are facing persecution He has become an advocate for peace and interfaith understanding traveling to different communities to share his testimony He said his message is one of faith forgiveness and unity .
Habila’s survival has been described by many as miraculous He believes that God saved his life so that he could bear witness to others about the power of faith and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs no matter the circumstances .
In his words he wants the world to know that faith can withstand even the darkest moments He urges young believers to hold on to their convictions and not to be swayed by fear or intimidation His journey from trauma to testimony continues to inspire thousands both within Nigeria and beyond .
A Call For Tolerance And Justice
Religious leaders and activists have called for justice and better protection for victims like Habila They emphasize that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and that no one should face violence because of their beliefs .
Many humanitarian organizations have reached out to support survivors of religious violence offering counseling medical treatment and relocation assistance Habila’s case serves as both a warning and a call to action for authorities to strengthen security and promote peace among diverse communities .
As his story continues to spread across the world it stands as a timeless example of bravery and faithfulness in the face of unimaginable cruelty .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .