Dozens of Christians Kidnapped, Others Killed

A group of Christians is standing together.
The members of the Christ Apostolic Church who escaped.
Photo: Christ Apostolic Church via Morning Star News

Violence against Christians continues unabated in many areas of Nigeria, as recently published reports indicate that militants are increasingly invading villages to kill, injure and kidnap dozens of believers – destroying their homes and church buildings in the process. While the kidnappings are frequently financially motivated, Christians are often the primary targets of radical Islamists' attacks. For further details on how Christians are being affected by the ongoing violence in Nigeria, go to our country report.

On September 29th, members of the Christ Apostolic Church in Oke Inga, Akure, were travelling by bus to attend the funeral service of one of their church members. While journeying along the road, the bus – with the name of the church painted on the vehicle's exterior – was ambushed and at least 25 Christians were subsequently kidnapped. While eight of the kidnapped church members were fortunately able to escape their captors, the Nigerian authorities are presently working to recover those who remain abducted.

In a separate incident, which took place on the night of October 1st, militants invaded Du Village in Plateau State. According to one witness, eight people were killed – including two children – and five other Christians have been wounded. In a press statement following the incident, a spokesperson for the community stated: "We're not only saddened by this unfortunate development and occurrence but completely depressed and brokenhearted, knowing fully how peaceful and hospitable Christians have lived with their Muslim neighbours in Plateau State."

Less than one week later, on October 7th, more than 30 Christians were ambushed while working on a communal farm in Chikuri, a village located in southern Kaduna State. The believers were taken hostage by unidentified assailants. One local resident, Dogara Peter, reported that this is the third time their community was victimized by such attacks. At last report, there has been no contact with the kidnappers. As the abducted believers are poor labourers, they can't afford to pay any ransom demands. "We have nowhere to raise money for any ransom," lamented Dogara Peter. "The whole community is traumatized by this sad situation. Our last hope lies in the security agencies and the government."

Please prayerfully remember the numerous Christians currently being held against their will by various militant groups in Nigeria. Pray that the country's governing authorities will be able to adequately provide vulnerable communities with necessary security and protection, while advocating for justice by holding the perpetrators of these violent acts responsible for their actions. May God's Spirit greatly comfort the friends and families of the victims who have been killed, so that His peace – which surpasses all understanding – will fill their hearts and minds.

  • 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.