Sharia Law to be Implemented Despite Turmoil

07 January 2004

The governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has reiterated that nothing will stop the full implementation of Sharia law in the state of Kano in northern Nigeria, despite pressure from within the state as well as outside pressure. This announcement came at a time when parts of northern Nigeria were in turmoil from a militant Islamic group attempting to establish an Taliban-like Islamic nation in the north-eastern state of Yobe.

^{Christian Church in Kano}

The government says that the uprising which began on December 30 has been quelled. At least two police officers and six militants were killed and many were arrested as they attempted to flee to neighboring Niger. More than ten thousand people have fled their homes in fear. Also this week, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo joined Christian and Muslim leaders in calling for peace and religious harmony in Nigeria.

Pray that there might be peace in Nigeria and that attempts to institute Islamic law will fail. Pray that states such as Kano will revoke Sharia law, so that there might be full equality for all people in Nigeria.

For more information on Nigeria, visit https://www.vomcanada.com/nigeria.htm.

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.