Violence Continues Unabated

A congregation in Nigeria
A Nigerian church service.
Photo: Flickr / SIM USA (cc)

In areas throughout Nigeria, violence has continued relentlessly, disproportionately affecting the Christian population. Those responsible for the brutality are generally members of Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram or the nomadic Fulani herdsmen. While attacks perpetrated by the herdsmen often stem from conflicts over their free-ranging cattle, the accompanying violence also commonly involves a religious element, as militant members of the predominantly Muslim group specifically target Christians and churches. Within the past month, multiple attacks have occurred in at least four different Nigerian states. (For previously published reports on the suffering of Nigeria's Christians, go to our country report.)

Kaduna State
Pastor Manasseh Ibrahim, who led a church in the Kurebe area of Kaduna State, was ambushed and killed on April 23rd as he was travelling to a church conference. Although the motive and identities of the perpetrators remain unknown, it is believed that the pastor was attacked by bandits.

In a separate incident, the village of Ambe was raided around midnight on May 5th by a large number of Fulani herdsmen armed with guns and machetes. During the attack, six Christian villagers were killed and eight others wounded. According to a police spokesperson, one of the assailants was apprehended by the villagers, and a police investigation is underway.

Plateau State
In the early morning of April 19th, militant Fulani herdsmen attacked the farming community of Tilengpan Pushit while the residents were sleeping. During the raid, a total of 12 people were killed. According to a survivor, most of the victims were women and children.

The state's governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed his "heartfelt condolences" to all those who have been affected by the attack. He also appealed to Christians to remain steadfast, stating that his government will continue to collaborate with security forces to better protect vulnerable communities.

Benue State
At least 28 Christians were killed in Benue State between April 20th and April 22nd. Dozens of surviving victims have been treated for injuries sustained during the violence, and several other believers were reportedly kidnapped. The attacks happened in three villages located within the Gwer West area of the state.

In response to the recent wave of attacks, protestors blocked a major roadway on April 23rd to protest the inaction of the government in addressing the issues leading up to the violence. One of their demands includes the need for enforced legislation to prohibit open grazing, a practice that has resulted in many of the attacks perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen.

Enugu State
At least six Christians were killed in the southeastern Nigerian state of Enugu on April 28th. The slain victims, who included children, were from the village of Ugwujoro Nimbo. As a result of the incident, seven other believers were treated for injuries caused by machete cuts.

While the state governor has assured local villagers that those responsible for the attacks will be pursued and captured, residents in the area remain fearful of further violence. According to a community leader, villagers have been leaving their homes each evening and staying in safer locations to avoid possible repeat of attacks.

Please prayerfully remember all the innocent Nigerians who have been affected by these recent attacks, including survivors suffering from physical and emotional wounds, family members mourning the loss of their loved ones, and villagers living in dread of other similar incidents possibly occurring. May God minister complete healing to each of these traumatized believers – comforting their grieving hearts and providing them His peace, strength and protection. Further, pray that the country's governing authorities will actively work to resolve the various issues associated with this violence, and that those responsible for committing such horrific crimes would be brought to justice.

  • 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.