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Attack

• Pastor Sentenced for Allegedly ''Disturbing the Peace''

  

  On April 3rd, members of a church in Gezira State, Sudan, were beginning to gather together for worship when Islamic militants prevented the believers from entering the building. The Christians were, however, able to assemble in the yard outside the building for prayer. When the believers attempted to gather for worship the following week, the attackers again disrupted the worship service. During the second incident, Pastor Estefanos was struck by the militants and then dragged from the building where he was further beaten. Three Christian women were also injured during the attack.

• Two Slain During Attack on Pastor's Family

  

  Pastor Adam has faced repeated death threats because of his ministry work among Pakistani Christians who have converted from a Muslim background. During Ramadan, Islamic zeal runs particularly high, which can lead to religiously motivated violence by militants. Such was the case on the night of April 11th.

• Multiple Attacks on Christian Villages

  

  The Nigerian state of Kaduna experienced multiple attacks on predominantly Christian villages between March 17th and March 24th. Due to the nature of these recent attacks, the exact number of victims is not yet clear, but survivors estimate that over 80 villagers were killed and approximately 150 others kidnapped.

• Pastor Beaten Over Conversion Allegations

  

  On the morning of February 25th, Pastor Kelom Kalyan Tet was returning from visiting a friend when he was accosted on a street in South Delhi by a mob. Accusing the pastor of illegal conversion activities, they began to beat him. The assailants took his bag, which contained his phone, papers and Bible, and tied him to a road divider at a busy intersection. They continued to abuse him, beating him and tearing his clothes while forcing him to chant "Jai Shri Ram," a Hindu slogan of devotion.

• Boarding School Attacked by Jihadists

  

  For several years, Burkina Faso has faced civil unrest, particularly due to al-Qaeda and Islamic State factions. Dissatisfaction over the government's lack of response to the jihadist crisis has led to mounting tensions which ultimately brought about a military coup on January 23rd.

• Church Buildings Destroyed by Militants

  

  In two separate incidents that took place on February 5th, church buildings in India were destroyed by those opposed to Christian ministry. One of the demolished churches was a Catholic place of prayer and hospitality that is located near the city of Mangalore, Karnataka; the other was a Protestant place of worship in the village of Kistaram, Chhattisgarh. For previous reports addressing the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country report.

• Missionary Family Robbed by Armed Intruders

  

  The home of a missionary affiliated with the Evangelical Church Winning All, located in the middle belt region of Nigeria, was recently invaded by armed intruders. The mission worker ministers primarily among the country's Fulani people. During the middle of the night, the Bello family's home was broken into by perpetrators demanding money, as well as the keys for two motorcycles that were parked outside. The assailants then proceeded to demand money from the mission worker's wife as well as the couple's visiting adult daughter, who also happens to be involved in ministry.

• Pastors Ambushed; One Fatally Wounded

  

  Two pastors were leaving All Saints' Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, together after the January 30th service when their car was ambushed by gunmen riding a motorcycle. Pastor William Siraj was fatally shot, and Pastor Patrick Naeem needed to be rushed to the hospital where he was treated and then released.

• Christians Murdered and Kidnapped by Islamic Militants

  

  Christians in Nigeria are appealing for prayer after yet another series of fatal attacks on their communities by militant Islamists. The following two attacks in January are recurring examples of the devastation that is being imposed on so many innocent people in Nigeria, particularly those of the Christian population. For more information on the relentless attacks on Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.
  
  On January 11th, a group identified as Fulani militants attacked the village of Ancha in Plateau State, killing 18 Christians. According to witnesses, some of the attackers were wearing the uniform of the Nigerian army. During the raid, 30 armed Nigerian soldiers had been stationed to protect the town but stayed in their makeshift barracks, doing nothing to prevent the burning of homes, the destruction of vehicles, and the fatal wounding of villagers. When the attack was over, more than 500 bullet casings were found littering the ground.

• Christians Injured in Mob Attack

  

  A Christian advocate has challenged the state government of Chhattisgarh for being directly responsible for the ongoing violence perpetrated against members of the Christian minority. Arun Pannalal, the president of Chhattisgarh's Christian Forum, recounts at least ten reported incidents of Christian persecution in five different locations across the state since early January – and more than 200 incidents during the past two years. "It is a complete failure of the state government," he states.