Angry Muslim Mobs Burn Churches and Homes

27 September 2006

The recent comments by Pope Benedict XVI in Germany have angered Muslims throughout the world. Some believe this may have contributed to the destruction of churches throughout Dutse, the capital of the Nigerian state of Jigawa on September 20. Problems began after a conversation between a young Muslim man and a Christian woman, Jumai. VOMC sources in Nigeria state that the Muslim man insulted Jumai, saying she was following a "useless Jesus." In response to the insult, Jumai allegedly replied with a similar comment about the prophet Mohammed. As news of the conversation spread, Muslim youths began rioting against Christians because of this alleged blasphemy against Mohammed. As a result, the homes of Christians and as many as eighteen churches were burned. Thankfully there were no deaths, but serious injuries have been reported.

Police officials report that one thousand people have taken refuge in police stations and the city has been put under a curfew. Sources report that Jumai was taken to the police station for questioning but officials claim it was for her own protection.

Pray that believers in Dutse will reflect God's love (Matthew 5:43-48) and trust His judgment (Romans 12:17-21) during this difficult time. Ask God to protect Jumai and the other believers in the area.

For more information on the difficulties facing Nigeria's Christians, click here. Video reports on persecution in Nigeria are also available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.

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.