Militants Ravage Village Leaving Eight Dead

Morning Star News, Amnesty International 01 March 2018

A victim of the attacks, James Nengwe
Photo: Morning Star News

Various attacks in central Nigeria late January resulted in the death of at least eight Christians and the destruction of dozens of homes. Fulani herdsmen, accompanied by Islamist militants, raided the village of Zanwra (near the city of Jos in Plateau state) over a number of days. Many of those who survived lost everything they owned.

Though the violence in the area has mostly subsided for now, Christians continue to fear for their safety. According to Pastor Sunday Gado Biri from the Evangelical Church Winning All in Zanwra, their average attendance of around 400 is now about half that number at best, as some have fled and others fear gathering together.

The pastor is calling for a more concerted effort by the Nigerian government to stop these ongoing attacks. He is concerned that intervention by the military has been inadequate, as the raids continue throughout central Nigeria. Amnesty International reports that there were at least 168 deaths connected with Fulani raids in January alone. Learn more about persecution in Nigeria by visiting our country report.

As fear threatens to grip the hearts and minds of God's people in these areas of Nigeria, may they instead rest in the knowledge that the Lord is God over all (Psalm 46:10). Pray that the government will intervene in a way that will bring peace to the region. May God also work through the lives of His people, bringing the Good News of the Gospel to their neighbours, so fellow Nigerians can experience His transformative love and peace amid life's trials.

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.