Death Sentence Pronounced on Christian Family

27 July 2005

Militant Muslims in Nigeria have pronounced a death sentence on a Christian family in Ikorodu, Lagos state, Nigeria. The 57-year-old father, Emma Osagie, was also recently assaulted. According to a July 25 report from Compass Direct, the pronouncement came after the Muslims accused Emma's sixteen-year-old daughter Bridgett of selling pork. On July 15, the group came to the family home looking for Bridgett, who had gone into hiding. The allegations were first made in 1993, when Bridgett was only four. The family denies ever selling pork. At various times, each member of the family has been assaulted by the militants. The police have been informed but have taken no action.

The sale of pork is forbidden under Islamic Sharia law. Unlike twelve other Nigerian states, however, Lagos state is not ruled by Sharia law.

Pray for safety for Bridgett. Pray that she will be free to move about without fear for her life. Pray that these allegations will be shown to be false.

For more information on persecution of 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.