Churches and Shops Destroyed in Riot

26 November 2003

"During Ramadan people tend to be more devoted to God, more sensitive," the Muslim emir of Kazaure, Nigeria told Reuters. This was his response to a riot that destroyed all the churches in the northern Nigerian town of Kazaure, as well as numerous homes and shops.

According to reports, at least twelve churches, over fifty shops, and several homes were burned to the ground when Muslim youths rioted on November 18 in response to a blasphemy case. The dispute began when a Christian student at Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Kazaure was accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammad during a heated argument with her colleagues. A group of Muslims were not satisfied with the response of school authorities and protested, leading to the riot. Thankfully no one was killed, but scores of Christians have fled the town, fearing for their lives.

Pray for peace between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. Pray that Christians will be free to worship and that they will not respond aggressively to the violence against them. Pray for courage for Christian leaders and confidence that their lives are in God's hands.

Nigeria

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.