Churches in Northern Nigeria to Be Demolished

05 December 2007

The Kano state government has decided to demolish four church buildings, without discussion or compensation, to make way for roads and a hospital, according to a November 30 report from Compass Direct. Rev. Murtala, head of the Christian Association of Nigeria, sees the road and hospital construction as merely a guise for demolishing the buildings. For the Church leaders in Kano, this action is a continuation of the onslaught they have faced since the government implemented sharia law in the state. The two Pentecostal churches and the two Evangelical Fellowship of West Africa churches

^{Pastor Yahaya Ibrahim
Photo from}^{Compass Direct}

are all located in the Badawa area of Kano.

Persecution of Christians is prevalent in Kano state. Last year, the only church building in the town of Rogo, Kano was destroyed by authorities. Pastor Yahaya Ibrahim told Compass Direct there are 13,000 Christians in the Rogo area, but the government denies them any land to build church buildings. There is also significant pressure against Christian children. "Our children cannot be admitted into government-owned schools unless they change their names to Muslim names," Ibrahim said."There are times children of Christians are forced to convert into Islam."

Pray for the continued ministry of church fellowships in Kano, despite the opposition they face. Pray that Christians will be able to continue to meet together, despite the lack of buildings.

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

The Voice of the Martyrs has just released a new 60-minute DVD report on Nigeria. Go to our online catalogue to order a copy today.

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.