Photo: VOMC
In November 2023, a report was released stating that incidents of anti-Christian violence and kidnappings in Nigeria appeared to have declined in comparison to the year before (see this report). The Christmas season, however, was particularly violent (read more) and now, as 2024 begins, numerous reports seem to point towards increasing brutality from militant groups in northern and central Nigeria.
On January 1st, members of Boko Haram attacked two Christian villages in the Chibok region of Borno state. They first targeted Gartamawa village, killing 12 people and wounding two others. The militants then ambushed a group of Christians who were returning to the nearby village of Tsiha after mourning those killed earlier in Gartamawa. During the latter incident, three more believers were killed and one young girl was kidnapped.
Two days later, Fulani militants launched attacks in two counties of Kaduna state. In Kauru county, 17 Christians were killed and 36 others kidnapped. A government source reported that 22 of the abducted believers were later rescued by local vigilante groups. In Gefe village, Kajuru county, another 17 Christians were murdered. Speaking of these attacks, the state governor referred to the bandits as "beasts in human skin" whose sole aim is to "reverse the gains the good people of Kaduna State have made in rebuilding trust, forging understanding, and reviving the economies of conflict-challenged communities."
The violence continued on January 5th when a group identified as either fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or a faction of Boko Haram invaded the town of Kwari in Yobe state at approximately 1 a.m. The militants entered Pastor Luka Levong's church building and killed the Christian leader before setting the place of worship on fire. During the rampage, they raided the homes of several church members, killing 13 Christians, in addition to destroying their houses and vehicles.
January 7th also brought a series of fatal assaults by Fulani terrorists; this time, targeting three villages in Benue state. As villagers slept, the attackers moved from house to house, killing ten people and injuring several others. Many of the residents fled their villages to escape harm.
All of these recently occurring incidents indicate that Nigeria remains an extremely dangerous country for Christians, particularly because of the repeated attacks perpetrated by various militant groups. For more information on the violence targeting our Nigerian family in Christ, go to our country report.
As you approach the Lord's throne in prayer, please remember to lift up the multitudes of Nigerian Christians who are now mourning the tragic loss of their slain loved ones. May these surviving believers – who must live each day with the uncertainty of knowing when the next violent attack will take place – receive God's divine protection, as well as His great comfort, encouragement and hope. Pray for those in governmental authority, asking that they be given the wisdom and resources required to gain control over the violence committed by various militant groups. Ultimately, may the "Prince of Peace" reign sovereignly over this troubled African nation and within the hearts of its people.
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