Threats of Death Against Expelled Students

09 February 2005

^{Students at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University}

Militant Muslims have pronounced a death sentence on five Christians expelled from from schools in Nigeria in November. Hanatu Haruna Alkali, Abraham Adamu Misal, Habakkuk Solomon, Hankuri Gaya, and a student identified as Uzochukwu were expelled by the authorities of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) and the Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi for sharing the gospel with Muslim students.

Since then, the students have been facing threats from Muslims. The families of two of the students, Alkali and Misal, were attacked on January 26 when militant groups went to the family homes in the state of Gombe in northern Nigeria with the intent of killing them. According to a February 3 report from Compass Direct, Alkali was not at home when the family was held at gunpoint. Her father wrestled the gun from the hand of one of them, but one of the other militants stabbed her mother. Both Alkali and Misal are now in hiding. The whereabouts of the other three students are unknown at this time.

Muslim leaders in Bauchi support the death pronouncements, saying that Muslims must be prepared to defend their religion.

Pray for safety for these five students and other Christians under threat in Nigeria. Pray for their families and for a quick recovery for Alkali's mother.

For more information on persecution facing Christians in Nigeria, click here.

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.