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A 24-year-old Christian named Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel was killed by a mob of militants in Nigeria after being accused of posting a blasphemous statement about the prophet Mohammed on Facebook. The killing was part of a larger attack on Pandogari town in which three other people also tragically lost their lives and a church was burned down.

According to a statement released by army spokesman N.C. Agwu, a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps was among those who lost their lives after rioters blocked the Lagos-Kaduna Road. "Some arrests have been made in connection with the violence and the suspects (were) handed over to the police," he reports.

A Baptist pastor in nearby Kagara town further explains that Facebook exchanges between two young people in Pandogari triggered the attacks: "The incident began with Facebook chats between a Muslim and a Christian.... The Muslim youth mobilized other Muslims in the town on claims that the Christian youth had blasphemed the prophet Mohammed." The pastor adds that the militant group then burned down the Fellowship Baptist Church in Pandogari town.

To learn more about the country of Nigeria, and to review previous reports and video documentaries, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

Please pray for the people of Nigeria, and especially those who have been affected by the recent killings in Pandogari town. May the group members responsible for the violence be brought to justice. Intercede on behalf of Nigerians in the community who do not yet know Christ, nor understand the impact of their negative actions, that they may seek the truth of the Gospel and grow in God's wisdom and grace. Pray for an end to the scourge of persecution which can only take place when Christians and Muslims fully extend the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in order to reside peaceably and harmoniously.

Current Ministry Projects

Through a vast variety of projects, VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen Nigerian Christians who have experienced extreme forms of persecution. Christian widows receive trauma counselling to help them heal from the aftermath of tragically losing their husbands due to persecution-related attacks. These widows are also provided skills training so they can have a practical means of income to support their families. Children who have lost their parents and other relatives during incidents of persecution are provided a safe place in which to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered serious injuries perpetrated by militants affiliated with Nigeria’s Boko Haram and Fulani groups. Discipleship and vocational training are being offered to Muslim-background believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically.

The ministry also gives persecuted Christians who are completing their master's degrees – and have a desire to share the Gospel in their communities – the opportunity to benefit as recipients of the Glenn Penner Scholarship Award. Another one of VOMC’s projects in Nigeria involves the distribution of food aid to persecuted Christians residing within Internal Displacement Persons' (IDP) camps. Through this distribution effort, displaced believers who have been forced to flee their homes and communities because of their faith not only receive daily sustenance but also the encouragement that’s needed to rebuild their lives.

Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles (Distribution), Medical, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

Country Information

Population
219,463,862 (July 2021 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 Muhammadu Buhari (2015)

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 Buhari 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.

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Nigeria News

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    Photo: 100 Huntley Street

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