Islamic Sect in Nigeria Attacks Christian Villagers

29 September 2004

A militant Islamic sect, which has been terrorizing Christians in northern Nigeria for several months, attacked numerous villages on September 20, burning homes, killing a number of people, including four police officers, and kidnapping seven Christians. According to the September 27 report from Compass Direct, the group known as the Talibans attacked police stations in the towns of Bama and Gwoza, in Borno State. As they retreated, they burned several villages, raping, plundering and killing anyone they perceived as enemies of Islam. According to police, several of the militants were killed following the attacks and five have been arrested in neighbouring Cameroon.

Pray for safety for Christians in Nigeria, facing such attacks. Pray that the authorities will be able to stop these groups. Pray for peace in Nigeria.

For more information on persecution in Nigeria, click here. Go to the Video section of VOM's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com, to view video reports on Nigeria and other countries around the world.

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.