Government official arrested following church attacks

International Christian Concern 06 September 2012

Many churches have been attacked this year
by the militant group Boko Haram.

Nigerian police arrested a government official after gunmen killed 19 Christian worshippers and two soldiers in the town of Otite, Kogi State, on August 6. The police arrested Yahaya Karaku, Special Advisor to the governor of Kogi State, after he was suspected of involvement in an attack at Deeper Life Church. The pastor of the church was among the victims.

The arrest of the government official is another indication of the possible infiltration of radical Muslims in the Nigerian government structure. In his speech at a Nigerian church in January, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, said that his government had been infiltrated by members of Boko Haram.

Nigerian Christians have been coming under relentless attacks from members of Boko Haram, an Islamic militant group. This year alone, militants have killed dozens of Christians. The group fights to establish an Islamic state throughout Nigeria.

Thank the Lord for this arrest; pray that He will expose the deeds of more perpetrators. Pray for Goodluck Jonathan and members of the Nigerian government, that the Lord will grant them wisdom and discernment. Pray for members of Boko Haram, that many will come to repentance through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Go to the Nigeria Country Report for more on Nigeria's persecuted Christians.

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.