Local Elections Result in Anti-Christian Violence

28 November 2007

^{Danyaro Bala
Photo from}^{Compass Direct}

Local elections in the Sumaila area of Nigeria turned violent on November 17 after news reports showed a Christian candidate ahead in the polls, signifying the first ever victory for a Christian in the area. In reaction to these results, local Muslims turned on a Christian community in Gani, destroying houses and shops. According to a November 26 report from Compass Direct, several Christians were injured in the attack and a school teacher, Danyaro Bala, was killed. The military was eventually called in to restore order.

Danyaro's brother believes the attack was clearly an attempt to force Christians to submit to Islam. He told Compass, "The selection of only houses of Christians and their shops for destruction shows clearly that Muslims were out to force us into submitting to their hold on political leadership."

Danyaro is survived by a wife and eleven children. He was an elder and key leader in his local church.

Pray for Danyaro's wife and children as they grieve this tragic loss. Pray for peace in the area.

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

Watch for a new 60-minute video documentary on Nigeria available from The Voice of the Martyrs in mid-December, entitled "The Remains of the Day."

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.