Nigeria Update Episode 3 | The Warfare on Women
Save the Persecuted Christians & Save Nigeria Group
A JOINT WEBINAR
Nigeria Update: Episode 3
The Warfare on Women
Remembering Deborah Emmanuel and Leah Sharibu
11 am ET, Wednesday, May 13, 2026
(This is a biweekly event every other Wednesday
starting April 15 and continuing through June 24.)
(Washington, DC)—Jihadists in Nigeria are waging a deliberate war on women and children. Women and girls comprise at least 60 percent of those targeted by terrorists because they are seen as vulnerable and innocent. Fulani militias, Boko Haram, and other jihadist groups employ sexual violence—including rape, mass rape, abduction, sex slavery, forced conversion, forced marriage, and childbearing—as a strategic tactic of terror. These attacks punish women for their Christian faith, destroy their dignity, rob them of identity, and spread fear throughout communities. Survivors who return often face shame, ostracism, and rejection, placing entire communities under duress and driving displacement.
Join us for a robust discussion on this specific terror tactic designed to maximize fear, break communities, and force flight.
Featured Speakers
- Dede Laugesen, President & CEO of Save the Persecuted Christians. Dede is the founder and driving force behind the organization, which raises awareness about the global persecution of Christians and advocates for policy changes to protect them. She previously served as community awareness director for St. Rafka Mission of Hope and Mercy, working with Christian genocide refugees from Syria and Iraq.
- Commissioner Maureen Ferguson, U.S. International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) (appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson); Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association; co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Conversations with Consequences” and serves on advisory boards including the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame and the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast; She is a widely published writer and strategic advisor on cultural, political, family, and human rights issues.
- Dr. Gloria Samdi Puldu, President, The Leah Foundation; Global Director, Give Her Voice; Dr. Puldu is a professor of political science and university lecturer at the University of Jos and a passionate advocate for the sanctity of human life, women’s rights, and the release of Leah Sharibu. Through The Leah Foundation, she champions education, empowerment, and advocacy for persecuted women and girls in Nigeria.
- Hon. Sarah Makin, former Deputy Assistant to President Trump and Senior Director/Senior Advisor on International Religious Freedom at the National Security Council during Trump’s first term. She previously served in the Office of the Vice President under Mike Pence, focusing on public engagement and intergovernmental affairs.
- Douglas Burton, Managing Editor of “Truth Nigeria” and award-winning conflict reporter. Doug specializes in Nigerian security issues and religious persecution. A former assignment editor for “The Washington Times”, he has covered the Middle East and mentors local reporters in North-Central Nigeria. His work has appeared in “The Epoch Times”, Catholic News Agency, and elsewhere; he received first place from the Catholic Media Association for coverage of religious liberty issues.
- Hon. Stephen Osemwegie, Founder, Save Nigeria Group USA is the President and Founder of Save Nigeria Group USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the welfare of Nigerians both in the United States and in Nigeria. Under his leadership, the organization champions education, human rights, religious freedom, healthcare access, and advocacy for democracy and equality.
Remembering the Victims
Deborah Emmanuel, (also known as Deborah Yakubu), was a 22-year-old Christian student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, Nigeria. On May 12, 2022, she was accused of blasphemy in a WhatsApp group, dragged from a security post by a mob of fellow students, beaten, stoned to death, and her body burned. No one was prosecuted for her death. Her murder highlights the deadly enforcement of blasphemy accusations against Christians.
Leah Sharibu was 14 years old when she was abducted along with over 100 classmates from the Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018, by ISWAP (a Boko Haram faction affiliated with ISIS). Most girls were released, but Leah remains in captivity—the only one held because she refused to renounce her Christian faith and convert to Islam. Her courage has made her a global symbol of resilience. Her birthday is May 14.
This webinar will explore the ongoing crisis, honor these victims, and discuss pathways for advocacy, accountability, and support for persecuted communities in Nigeria.
Register now to join the conversation and stand with the persecuted.
Hosts of the Webinar
This webinar is jointly hosted by Save the Persecuted Christians and Save Nigeria Group USA.
Save the Persecuted Christians—an educational 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity registered in the United States of America—is a grassroots movement to save lives and save souls. We educate the public on anti-Christian violence and enlist their help in supporting those harmed for their faith in Jesus; holding those responsible accountable; and securing significant penalties on state and non-state persecutors of Christians.
Save Nigeria Group USA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the lives of Nigerians both in the United States and in Nigeria. Founded on the belief that every Nigerian deserves access to opportunity, dignity, and justice, we work tirelessly to support the Nigerian-American community and provide critical assistance to those in need across Nigeria.
UPCOMING
June 20th Rally for Nigeria
Saturday, June 20, 202610 am Eastern
Venue: Lafayette Park
(across from the White House)
Washington DC/US Capitol