Muslim attackers kill 17 Christians

VOM 12 May 2011

One of the burnt houses in Kurume Dodo
Photo: Compass Direct

Kurume Dodo, a Christian settlement in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi state witnessed a horrific attack by Fulani Muslims on May 5. Villagers were ambushed by their attackers who came in large numbers with various weapons, unleashing their attack on both the young and old. Seventeen Christians were killed. As a result, many Christians in Kurume Dodo have deserted their homes and taken refuge in neighbouring villages.

Hundreds have died in clashes in Nigeria following national elections last month in which Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, won the presidential poll against a Muslim, Muhammadu Buhari. There are fears that the same Muslim groups that have been attacking Christian villages in and around Jos may have moved into the southern part of Bauchi state where 90 percent of Christians in the state reside. A representative from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who spoke with VOM sources confirmed that many villages are under serious threat.

Please pray for Christians in Kurume Dodo and all of northern Nigeria who are suffering severely because of their faith. Pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones. Pray the Lord will provide comfort and the grace to overcome violence and hatred with love and forgiveness.

Read more about the persecuted Church in Nigeria at 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.