Innocent Civilians Killed in Recent Extremist Raids

Two pastors have been killed and three churches destroyed, as militants attack yet more civilian targets in northeast Nigeria. In Borno state, a pastor was killed on September 26th when militants raided and set fire to the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) which is located in Barawa village. Another EYN church was burned down in nearby Chikide village.

On the same day, in Yobe state, suspected Boko Haram Islamist militants opened fire inside a church in Dorawa town, killing another pastor and his two children. They then set fire to the church and two other buildings before fleeing. The Dorawa church is just 28 kilometres from the site of a brutal attack that took place in July of 2013 on a school where dozens of students were killed. A similar attack took place recently on September 29th at the College of Agriculture in Gujba district, Yobe, where gunmen killed an estimated 50 students as they slept. Previous reports of persecution in Nigeria, including video podcasts, can be located at the Nigeria Country Report.

May God greatly comfort and sustain all who have been bereaved due to these recent militant attacks. Pray that He will raise up new spiritual leaders for the two churches that have tragically lost their pastors due to the violence perpetrated against Christians and other innocent members of their communities. Thank the Lord for the strong overcoming faith of His people in Nigeria, encouraging many more to turn to Him during this time of crisis. May the country's governing authorities be granted wisdom, resolve and courage as they work to stamp out the devastating attacks of the Boko Haram extremists.

  • 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

  • Ongoing Violence Leads to Church Closures
    Pastor Amos Mohzo is smiling.
    Pastor Amos Mohzo
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. One estimate states that, on average, every two hours there is a Christian in Nigeria who dies. The ongoing brutality comes from numerous directions, and news reports only reflect a small portion of the violent incidents that take place – whether they involve fatalities, abductions or the destruction of properties. In many cases, multiple atrocities take place during a terrorist attack.

  • Christians Slain After Being Forced from Bus
    Three Christian men are kneeling, while executioners holding guns are standing behind them.
    The three men who were killed by Boko Haram militants.
     

    On June 5th, a bus was travelling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway when a group of armed men forced it to stop near the village of Kamuya, which is located on the border between the states of Yobe and Borno. The terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and then allowed the rest of the travellers to leave.