Numerous Attacks Lead to Killings and Kidnappings

Afiniki Bako and Grace Zugwai Nkut - Photo: Facebook / Fellowship Of Christian Nurses Nigeria
Abducted Christian nurses Afiniki and Grace.
Photo: Facebook

One person was killed, another wounded, and four women were abducted, when the Haske Baptist Church in Manini village, Nigeria, was attacked during a worship service on April 25th. Healthcare worker Zacharia Dogon Yaro was killed, and Shehu Haruna was injured. According to one of the worshippers, "[The attackers] surrounded the church and started shooting.... They shot at us randomly and at anyone they sighted." The Fulani gunmen then seized Charity Musa, Rose Zacharia, Alheri Bala and Liatu Zakka as they left.

This was just one of numerous recent attacks that took place in the predominantly Christian areas of Nigeria. In Kaduna State, Pastor Ozigi Hassan of the Mercy Place Ministry Church was kidnapped, along with his wife Fulaki and their four children, in the early hours of April 30th. Police pursued the captors and were able to recover the pastor and children, but the attackers managed to escape with Fulaki.

On April 21st, heavily armed Fulani gunmen forced their way into a hospital in the town of Idon, which is located in southern Kaduna State. Two Christian nurses, Afiniki Bako and Grace Zugwai Nkut, were taken captive.

While militant Fulani Islamists are frequently the perpetrators of violence experienced in Nigeria, other groups have likewise caused major suffering. In the village of Libera Gida, militants from Boko Haram are suspected of joining Fulani herdsmen in kidnapping 72 village residents on April 22nd and then holding them for ransom.

In the northern Yobe State, members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) took control of the town of Geidam on April 23rd. Around 2,000 residents fled to escape the looting and burning. At least two Christians, along with two Muslim schoolteachers, were unable to escape and were killed. According to an eyewitness, leaflets were dropped around town calling for the establishment of an Islamic State. The pamphlets stated, "We are fighting unbelievers; Christians and any other person or group going against the teaching of Islam, even if they are Muslims."

While the government often denies a religious motive behind these attacks, the frequent targeting of churches, as well as Christians, shows that hatred for Christianity plays a key role in numerous acts of violence throughout the region. Further information on the suffering experienced by followers of Christ in Nigeria is available at our country report.

Please remember to pray for the safe return of all our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ who have been kidnapped. Until they are freed from captivity, pray for their need of protection and strength. In addition, ask the Lord to minister comfort and hope to their concerned families and friends. May each one sense the wonderful peace that accompanies His reassuring presence. Also prayerfully uphold those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, as well as the survivors of recent attacks who are now needing to recover physically and/or emotionally. Intercede for the perpetrators of the violence, asking the Holy Spirit to convict their hearts and lead them to repentance and salvation in Christ.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    230,842,743 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

    Leader
    President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nigeria

    May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

Nigeria News

  • Ongoing Violence Leads to Church Closures
    Pastor Amos Mohzo is smiling.
    Pastor Amos Mohzo
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. One estimate states that, on average, every two hours there is a Christian in Nigeria who dies. The ongoing brutality comes from numerous directions, and news reports only reflect a small portion of the violent incidents that take place – whether they involve fatalities, abductions or the destruction of properties. In many cases, multiple atrocities take place during a terrorist attack.

  • Christians Slain After Being Forced from Bus
    Three Christian men are kneeling, while executioners holding guns are standing behind them.
    The three men who were killed by Boko Haram militants.
     

    On June 5th, a bus was travelling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway when a group of armed men forced it to stop near the village of Kamuya, which is located on the border between the states of Yobe and Borno. The terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and then allowed the rest of the travellers to leave.