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Children opening a Christmas Blessing package
A previous "Christmas Blessing" project brought much joy to persecuted Christians and their families in Nigeria.

After a period of relative calm, violence has resumed in Plateau state -- resulting in the deadliest sectarian violence in Nigeria's recent history. The fatalities were perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen who have been primarily targeting Christian farmers in the country's Middle Belt. In fact, many experts now report that the attacks of this militant Muslim group have killed more people than those committed previously by the notorious Boko Haram terrorists.

According to a non-governmental organization on the ground, Stefanos Foundation, repeated attacks against Christian communities took place this September and October, leaving more than 75 slain. Throughout the course of the violence, 12 villages have been attacked. In addition to the casualties, 489 homes have been burned and 13,726 people displaced.

The violence continued to claim more lives in November. During the early hours of November 13th, two men, Christopher Dung and Bulus Dantoro, were ambushed and killed in Wereng village of Riyom Local Government Area. A week earlier, nine others were shot dead and four more injured as they returned from a weekly village market in the same government area. The injured victims identified the perpetrators as Fulani militants. Then, on November 30th, at least four more people were fatally injured after Fulani herdsmen, who were armed with guns, opened fire at a mining site in Jol village, also of Riyom Local Government Area.

On December 8th, at a delegation of Christian leaders from the Church of Christ in Nations, it was revealed that some of those responsible for the attacks have been arrested, although they have not been publicly identified as Fulani herdsmen. Further investigations are being made. To learn more about persecution in Nigeria, visit the Country Report.

Please prayerfully uphold the many injured and displaced victims of the recent targeted attacks -- those who have suffered immensely at the hands of the perpetrators. In the midst of their pain and heartache, may God demonstrate His loving kindness by ministering greatly needed healing, provision, comfort and strength. Pray that His wisdom and direction will be granted to those in positions of governmental authority so they can ensure justice, stability and peace for the inhabitants of this troubled area. Intercede also for the perpetrators of the violence in hopes that the hatred within each of their hearts will be replaced with a new spirit -- one that is tender and responsive to His transformative love (Ezekiel 36:26).

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 Bola Ahmed 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 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

  • Two Nigerian States Face a Spate of Violent Attacks
    A group of women laughing together while holding their children.
    Women and children at Mara's House (screenshot).
    Photo: 100 Huntley Street

    Recent attacks by militants in Nigeria have resulted in dozens of deaths, along with kidnappings and the destruction of homes. Many Christians were targeted in these repeated violent attacks, often the result of their perpetr

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