Believers killed and property destroyed by Muslim herdsmen and soldiers

Compass Direct News 15 December 2011

Charred interior of Christian-owned home burned
by Muslim assailants in Barkin Ladi, Plateau state.
Photo: Compass Direct News

At least 45 Christians were murdered by Muslim herdsmen and soldiers in Nigeria in late November. Unfounded allegations of cattle theft preceded the attacks, according to Christian leaders in Plateau state, and thousands of vulnerable and unarmed Christians fled the area in fear, leaving churches largely empty on the Sunday following the attacks. Homes were burned, churches were closed and many Christians were also maimed or injured. Muslims were also reportedly moving onto the farms belonging to the Christians who had fled and were destroying their crops. Witnesses say Fulani Muslim herdsmen were shouting, "Allahu Akbar," which means, "God is greater."

During the same time, Muslim extremists helped members of the Islamic terrorist sect Boko Haram destroy five church buildings in Nigeria's increasingly dangerous Yobe state in late November, displacing about 700 Christians. Previously in neighbouring Bauchi state, Islamic radicals killed four Christians, including three girls. Boko Haram seeks to impose a stricter version of Sharia (Islamic law) than that already in place in northern Nigeria to expand it to the rest of the country.

Please pray that violence against Christians in Nigeria will cease and that churches will once again be filled. Pray that all who witness God's provision and protection will turn to Christ. Pray that God will bring verses of Scripture to mind that will comfort those who are grieving (Psalm 119:49-56).

To learn 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.