Church building in Nigeria targeted in bomb attack

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, BBC 01 November 2012

Shadrack Luka, eight, was among 12 Christians wounded
in a previous church attack near Zonkwa, Kaduna state.
Photo: Compass Direct News

A suicide bomber forced his way into St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kaduna City on October 28, detonating an explosion that killed at least seven worshippers and left dozens with severe injuries.

According to eyewitnesses, after being denied entrance to the church grounds at the gate, the bomber reversed his vehicle and rammed into the church's perimeter wall, destroying the area reserved for the church's choir. The force of the explosion also caused severe structural damage to several nearby homes and buildings.

Please pray for the grieving and the injured. Ask the Lord to bless the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan and all those in authority who are seeking to bring an end to the violence. Pray the Lord will give Nigerian Christians the desire and the ability to forgive their attackers and respond with love.

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.