Two Christians Killed in Northern Nigeria

24 October 2007

^{Henry Emmanuel Ogbaje
Photo from}^{Compass Direct}

Two young Christian men were recently killed by Muslims militants in the area of Gamji Gate, Kaduna state, according to an October 22 report from Compass Direct. On the evening of October 12, militants bludgeoned Henry Emmanuel Ogbaje with wooden clubs while he was on his way home from his church. A few hours later, he died from his injuries.

The following day, a young man identified only as "Basil" from the Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church was stabbed to death.

Local Christians believe these two murders are part of a systematic effort by Muslims to wipe out Christianity from northern Nigeria. Although the government has been attempting to establish an inter-faith dialogue between the two faith groups, their efforts have failed to diminish the wave of violent attacks on Christians.

Pray for those who mourn for the loss of these two faithful followers of Christ. Pray that the Lord will be exalted through this tragedy and that people in this area will continue to be drawn to Him (Phil 1:20). Pray that violence against Nigerian Christians will cease.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

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.