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.

Select a Region

Nigeria News

  • Ongoing Suffering of Nigerian Christians
    Church members are sitting outside.
    A church gathering in Nigeria.
    Photo: VOMC

    Attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria have continued unabated over the years, resulting in even more recently reported cases involving casualties and horrific trauma. Not only were these recent attacks the cause of death for several innocent victims, they have also been the source of physical wounding and emotional trauma for many survivors whose suffering has been further compounded by the devastating loss of loved ones and the destruction of community homes.

    Read more...

  • Christians Targeted in Easter Monday Attack
    Church members are seated on cinder blocks in a burned out church.
    A burned church from a previous attack.
    Photo: Flickr / Mike Blyth (cc)

    In a devastating attack on April 21st, six people were killed and as many as 30 injured when a truck rammed into a crowd of believers who had been taking part in an Easter procession along the streets of Billiri in Gombe state. Though initially reported as an unfortunate accident, a government-appointed committee has since determined that the incident was a deliberate attack on the Christians participating in this year's Easter celebrations.

    Read more...

  • More Than 100 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks
    Buildings show significant damage.
    Believers in Nigeria face constant threats.
    Photo: VOMC

    In central Nigeria, Plateau State has been a hotspot for significant violence from militant groups during recent years. Over the past month, as many as 130 Christians have died in various attacks within the state. In each case, the violence has been attributed to groups of Fulani militants.

    Read more...

  • Numerous Recent Atrocities in Chibok Area
    Men with covered faces are holding large firearms.
    Boko Haram terrorists.

    In the latest onslaught of violence by Boko Haram terrorists, Christian communities near Chibok, Borno State, were recently targeted by a string of coordinated attacks. The devastating raids resulted in several deaths, the destruction of dozens of homes, and the forced displacement of more than 4,000 followers of Jesus. 

    Read more...

View All

Nigeria Videos

 
Nigeria: Standing With Persecuted Christians
/component/allvideoshare/category/nigeria.htm
 
Nigeria: Pastor Gideon's Story of Unspeakable Tragedy and Extraordinary Forgiveness
/component/allvideoshare/category/nigeria.htm
 
Special Video Edition - 2024 in Review - Nigeria
/component/allvideoshare/category/nigeria.htm
 
Nigeria: Nankpak's Story of Survival and Healing Provides Comfort to Persecuted Christians
/component/allvideoshare/category/nigeria.htm
 
Nigeria: Bringing Persecution Teaching to Northern Pastors
/component/allvideoshare/category/nigeria.htm
 
Nigeria: Continued Heartbreak for Parents of Kidnapped Chibok Girls
/component/allvideoshare/category/nigeria.htm
More