Churches Struggle to Cope as Refugees Flee Neighbouring Nigeria

The United Nations camp for Nigerian refugees in northern Cameroon Photo: World Watch Monitor

Thousands of Nigerians, many of them Christians, have fled their home country for northern Cameroon in the wake of ongoing violence by the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. Yet, even beyond the borders of their homeland, these Nigerian believers are far from safe. In the village of Cherif Moussary, an assault from militants left a church ransacked and the residence of the pastor burned down. Many of the Christian families were also stripped of virtually all their possessions. A similar act of destruction was reported at Mouldougoua village. At Assighassia, which was occupied for days by militants before the army arrived, two church elders were beheaded. Meanwhile, in Djibrilli village, a pastor was kidnapped, threatened and asked about his faith by militants before being released the following day.

In the midst of these gruesome attacks, churches in Cameroon are working to assist both Nigerian refugees and internally displaced people (IDP). "The action of our churches has initially consisted of providing the refugees and IDPs with food, shelter and medicines. But now, the capacity of our churches is overwhelmed, as their number has increased up to threefold," a church leader explained of the situation. "Every week we welcome new waves of refugees coming from all sides. More than 9,600 displaced people were recorded in two weeks. Some are welcomed within church compounds and others in the UN...refugee camp."

Despite the current overwhelming needs in Cameroon and Nigeria, let us come with boldness while petitioning our omnipotent God, asking that He make a way to protect and provide for His suffering children. In particular, pray that He will equip the church in Cameroon to address the tremendous physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the refugees and displaced persons now in their care. May Cameroonian believers encourage the faith of those who are struggling as a result of the horrors they have endured, while also serving as a witness to those who have yet to embrace Christ as Lord. Please also pray for lasting peace in Nigeria and Cameroon, so the atrocious acts of violence that have been taking place within these areas will soon cease.

To learn more about Boko Haram and the threat this militant group poses to Christians, visit our Nigeria Country Report.