Hundreds Killed Amid Ongoing Violence

Two men walking amongst the rubble of buildings destroyed by fire.
The aftermath of the attacks in Mangu.
Photo: Stefanos Foundation / Release International

Nigeria is considered one of the most dangerous places on earth to be a Christian because of ongoing violence from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani militants. Having been a problem primarily in the northern and central areas of the country, persecution has also recently begun infiltrating into the southern region. Two areas where violence has been particularly rampant are Benue State and Plateau State. Since mid-May, hundreds of innocent villagers were killed and tens of thousands displaced, mainly due to Fulani attacks.

In the Mangu area of Plateau State, more than 200 Christians lost their lives in a 48-hour killing spree that took place between May 16th and 17th. Spreading across as many as 30 villages, militants armed with assault weapons and machetes killed their fellow Nigerians indiscriminately while burning homes, churches and other buildings.

In Benue State, dozens of Christians have also been killed. On May 24th, several communities were raided, resulting in the destruction of entire villages and dozens of fatalities. Additional villages within this state were attacked on June 3rd and 4th, resulting in a total of 46 deaths.

Speaking of the recent attacks, Anglican Archbishop Ben Kwashi issued a call for prayer: "We as Christians in the Middle Belt [of] northern Nigeria are asking for concerted prayer because the devastation is beyond human ability to bear. Please also pray that the church will preach the Gospel of salvation."

In response to the ongoing bloodshed, The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is facilitating various International Ministry projects in Nigeria. One of them involves partnering with Christian Faith Ministries to establish a refuge for women and girls who have been affected by the violence. To learn more about this project, and how you can support your Nigerian family in Christ, see the video, "Update on the Construction of Mara’s House."

Pray that God's peace, comfort and strength will fill the hearts of believers in Nigeria, especially those who are mourning the loss of loved ones due to the recent attacks, as well as the many surviving victims who now must cope with the trauma they experienced. Ask the Lord to provide wisdom and guidance to Nigeria's leaders at all levels of governance, so that appropriate action can be taken to put a stop to the violence. As requested by Archbishop Kwashi, pray that the message of the Gospel would continue to spread across the nation so that many more Nigerians will receive God’s gift of eternal salvation – including the perpetrators.

  • 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.