Two Aid Workers Executed

Godfrey Ali Shikagham and Lawrence Duna Dacighir - Photo: Morning Star News www.morningstarnews.org
Christian aid workers Godfrey Ali Shikagham (left) and Lawrence Duna Dacighir before their executions.
Photo: Morning Star News

The militant Islamic group Boko Haram released a video on September 22nd showing the execution of Lawrence Duna Dacighir and Godfrey Ali Shikagham. These two Christian men had left their homes in Abuja and travelled to Maiduguri in order to help build shelters for those displaced by recent violence.

In the video, one of the three terrorists vowed to kill every Christian they captured, saying it would be done in revenge for Muslims who were killed in the country's past conflicts. It is unclear from the video exactly when the slain men were executed. For more reports on the violence facing Nigeria's Christians, go to our country report.

Please remember these slain men's families and friends as they mourn their terrible loss. Ask the Lord to provide greatly needed ministry and protection to all the Nigerians suffering persecution; the same applies to those who are trying to assist them. Pray that Nigeria's authorities will receive needed wisdom, strength and help as they work tirelessly to restore peace and security.

  • 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

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    Thank you for your continued faithfulness, compassion and partnership in praying for our Christian brothers and sisters who suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness. This week's special video edition of the Persecution & Prayer Alert focusses on the importance of prayer.

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    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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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