Aid Worker Killed; Leah "Slave for Life"

Leah Sharibu - Photo: World Watch Monitor www.worldwatchmonitor.org
Photo: World Watch Monitor

"Islamic State West Africa Province" (ISWAP), the Boko Haram faction currently holding 15-year-old Leah Sharibu, has released a statement claiming to have executed a second Red Cross aid worker during the past month. In the statement, the group claimed that Hauwa Leman, along with Saifura Ahmed (who was killed in September), were apostates because they joined the Red Cross.

As part of the announcement, ISWAP also stated that they would no longer kill Leah Sharibu, as they had earlier threatened. Instead, they vowed to keep her as a "slave for life." Also held as a slave is Christian UNICEF worker Alice Ngaddah.

The Nigerian government is facing increasing pressure to ensure the safety and release of Leah and others in Boko Haram captivity. Remember Leah, Alice and the other captives in your prayers, as well as their distraught families. More information on Leah's captivity is available here.

  • 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.

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Nigeria News

  • Numerous Christians Killed in Benue State
    Several men are standing together with their faces covered, holding heavy artiliary.
    Terrorists in Nigeria
    Photo: Voice of America

    During two separate attacks on November 24th and December 1st, Fulani herdsmen killed 48 Christians in the Nigerian state of Benue, which is considered the north-central part of the country. These attacks are just two recent examples of the horrific dangers believers must deal with in this West African nation.

    Read more...

  • Abducted Christians Escape Captivity
    Militants are holding a black flag with Arabic letters on it.
    Muslim militants.

    On March 1st, 2018, Islamic militants attacked a displacement camp in Borno state. As a result of the attack, three UNICEF workers were killed, along with eight soldiers. During the attack, a Christian woman named Alice Loksha Ngaddah, who worked as a nurse in the camp, was taken captive – along with two Muslim midwives, Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman. Having been declared "apostates" by their captors merely for working with the Red Cross, the two midwives were killed a few months later.

    Read more...

  • Worshippers Slain in Church Attacks; Others Kidnapped
    Several men are carrying guns. All of their faces are covered.
    Militants in Nigeria
    Photo: Voice of America

    The village of Bakinpah-Maro in Kaduna State, Nigeria, has been experiencing repeated attacks from Islamic militants. In order to provide greater protection to residents of the community, village leaders recently raised funds to build a security post that would help draw more law enforcement personnel to the area. However, on the morning of Sunday, September 15th, the village was again attacked by militants – believed to be Fulani herdsmen – who specifically targeted two churches in the community.

    Read more...

  • Church Building Burned Down
    Believers are gathered in the shell of a burned out church.
    One of the many churches that have
    been destroyed by fire in Nigeria.
    Photo: VOMC

    During the early morning hours of August 10th, the building of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kontagora was burned to the ground. Residents in the area reported that they witnessed a group of men loot the church building before setting it on fire. This is the second time that the church facility has been destroyed and, on both occasions, militant Muslim activists are believed to have been responsible.

    Read more...

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