Muslims attack villages in Plateau State


Remains of a car used by suicide bombers
in a February church attack
Photo: Compass Direct News

More than 10 villages outside the city in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, were attacked on July 7, leaving dozens of people dead. Hundreds of Fulani Muslims, many of them wearing military camouflage and bulletproof vests, invaded the villages in the early morning, killing at least 25 people. Several were hospitalized while over a hundred were displaced and sought shelter at churches. The majority of victims were women, children, and the elderly.

A mass burial was organized for the following day. While those mourning proceeded to the site, they found the burned bodies of approximately 50 others in a torched church building. The victims had reportedly sought shelter at the church after fleeing their homes. During the funeral service, assailants attacked the crowd. Among those killed were two politicians. The total death toll is reported to be over 100 people. Following the attack, angry youths protested in the streets.

Please pray the Lord will heal and restore those who have suffered as a result of these attacks. Pray that Fulani Muslims will know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of the Christians (Romans 12:14, 21). Pray for wisdom and guidance for Nigeria's Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan, and for all those who serve with him as leaders of this nation. Pray that Christians will not retaliate but will demonstrate Christ's love and peace.

Go to the Nigeria Country Report for more on our persecuted brothers and sisters in 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.

Nigeria News

  • Special Video Edition
    Greg Musselman is praying with a family. The parents' hands are covered with the clay from brick making. One of the two small children is looking up to the Daddy.
    Photo: VOMC

    Thank you for your continued faithfulness, compassion and partnership in praying for our Christian brothers and sisters who suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness. This week's special video edition of the Persecution & Prayer Alert focusses on the importance of prayer.