Total of 33 Killed in Kaduna State

Buildings destroyed by violence
Nigerian Christians face ongoing violence.
Photo: VOMC (video screenshot)

Late in the night of April 15th, more than 200 gunmen entered the village of Runji in Kaduna State, Nigeria. By the time they withdrew from the area an hour later, 33 villagers had been killed, at least six others were left injured, and more than 40 houses had been torched. Almost half of those killed during the attack were children.

Government troops were able to intervene, killing some of the militants. Without their intervention, it is believed that the number of casualties could have been considerably higher. However, as the attackers left, they informed the surviving villagers that they would return.

According to a local Christian leader, this was the third attack on followers of Jesus in that particular area over the past week. During a mass funeral held on Monday, April 17th, Anglican Bishop Jacob Kwashi stated: "It has always been obvious and clear that the government is capable and able to stop this evil, be it the government of Kaduna State or the government of Nigeria. They're capable, they're able to stop this evil; but the truth is, Are they ready and willing to stop this evil?"

Militant attacks in Nigeria continue to spread relentlessly. According to a separate report, more than 130 Christians were killed in the states of Borno and Benue during the first week of April alone. While the violence has ethnic, political and economic elements, the attacks by various militant Islamic groups are especially concentrated around predominantly Christian areas, often specifically targeting churches and Christian villagers because of their faith. To learn more about the extreme challenges facing our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ, and/or to review previously posted reports addressing these concerns, go to our country report.

Prayerfully remember the families, friends and neighbours of all those who were slain in these recently occurring attacks. As the surviving villagers must now face the risk of another potentially imminent invasion, pray that the Lord will meet their emotional and physical needs – providing comfort, peace and protection from future attacks. Additionally, pray that the officials of the country's state and national governments would increase their efforts to stop the violence and bring about greatly needed peace to this troubled West African nation.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Deadly Market Attack
    Bandits in Nigeria are carrying various types of weaponry. All have their faces covered.
    Bandits in Nigeria
    Photo: Voice of America

    As Nigerians were celebrating their national Democracy Day on May 29th, gunmen opened fire on the Maro Junction Market which happens to be located within a predominantly Christian community of Kaduna State. Reports state that as many as 12 people were killed and 20 others injured.

  • Hundreds Rescued from Boko Haram Captivity
    Masked Boko Haram fighters are holding various types of weaponry.
    Boko Haram terrorists have claimed
    the lives of multitudes in Nigeria.
     

    On May 20th, the Nigerian military reported that 350 captives had been recovered from Boko Haram bases in the Sambisa Forest, a well-known enclave for the militant group in eastern Nigeria. Some of the captors were killed during the military operation. All of the rescued former hostages were taken to the Borno state government house where they will be cared for until they can safely return to their homes.