Believers Killed as Villages Raided

Release International 28 May 2015

Pray for the safety of Nigerian villages.
Photo: Flickr / Melvin "Buddy" Baker

On May 27th, suspected Fulani militants raided a number of Christian villages in central Nigeria. Sources report that the assailants attacked 20 villages in the Agatu local government area of Benue State, killing more than 30 people. Many others fled to displacement camps in neighbouring Kogi State. Meanwhile, militants also attacked several villages in Dorowa, Plateau State. The Nigerian military reportedly responded to the attack but made no search or arrests.

Partners of VOMC's sister mission in the United Kingdom have stated that Fulani terror activities are on the rise in central Nigeria as Boko Haram attacks gradually build up around the north-eastern states.

As Christians face increased attacks from Boko Haram and Fulani militants alike, pray that God's peace will reign in their hearts. May those in mourning from these latest assaults rest in the assurance that the Lord is ultimately in control and, therefore, He most surely will work all things together for good to those who love Him...and for His glory. In the meantime, let us also pray that the believers in Nigeria will be used by God to lovingly extend the Good News of Jesus to those currently walking in spiritual darkness.

For more information on Nigeria's persecuted church, please visit this page.

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.