 Damages at the Shalom Church in Kaduna city Photo: Compass Direct News |
The Boko Haram Islamic sect has claimed responsibility for the bombing of three churches in Kaduna state, Nigeria, on June 17 -- the third consecutive Sunday that Christian worship services in the country have ended in bloodshed.
An attacker crashed a car into a barricade at an Evangelical Church Winning All building, detonating a bomb that killed at least 24 people and wounded about 125. Moments later, extremists bombed the Christ the King Catholic Church building in Zaria, killing another dozen people. Not long after, the Shalom Church building in Kaduna city was bombed, killing at least 10. Retaliatory attacks reportedly killed several others.
Boko Haram has killed at least 560 people this year, according to the Associated Press. The Islamist sect has targeted churches, state offices, law enforcement sites and some moderate mosques in its effort to destabilize the government and impose a strict version of Shariah (Islamic law) on all of Nigeria.
Please pray that the Lord will bless believers in Nigeria with the strength and compassion to model Christ-like love to all, despite the persecution they face. Please pray that God will grant leaders and law enforcement officers with wisdom and integrity. Pray that the violence will stop and peace and reconciliation will prevail. Pray that, in the meantime, increased persecution will result in increased boldness among believers in Nigeria (Acts 4:29-31).
Visit the Nigeria Country Report for more information on Nigeria's persecuted Church.
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