Christians killed by Muslim youths in Jos

29 April 2010


Nathan S. Dabak & Sunday Gyang Bwede Photos from Compass Direct

Seven people were killed by Muslim youths on April 24 in Jos, Nigeria. Thirty-six year old Nathan S. Dabak, an assistant editor, and 39-year-old Sunday Gyang Bwede, a reporter, were on their way to interview a local politician in Gado-Bako when they were attacked by youths who stabbed them to death. Both men were journalists for "The Light Bearer," a newspaper published by the Church of Christ in Nigeria. An unidentified motorcyclist was also killed in the attack. Only weeks ago, a pastor of the same church was murdered along with his wife in Bauchi state (click here for more information).

Four other Christians were murdered on the same day in Dutse Uku district following the discovery of the body of a teenage Muslim who had gone missing. The believers, three of whom were stabbed, were killed when hundreds of Muslim youths rampaged throughout the area in protest. (Source: Compass Direct)

Pray for the family members and friends mourning the loss of these believers. Pray that, as sufferings overflow, their comfort in Christ will be more than enough for them (2 Corinthians 1:5). Ask God to change the hearts and minds of the Muslim youths who perpetrated this violence. Pray for lasting peace in Nigeria.

To find out more about persecution in Nigeria, please visit 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.