Christmas Attacks Involved Executions

Uka Joseph, Sunday, Wilson, Joshua Maidugu, Garba Yusuf
Pray for the grieving families of the young men whose execution was recorded by the terrorist group.

Two separate attacks have led to kidnappings and at least twelve deaths in Nigeria over the Christmas season. In both cases, Islamic militant groups were responsible for the assaults.

On Christmas Eve, at least seven people were killed when Boko Haram militants raided a mostly Christian village in Borno State. The terrorist fighters rode into the village of Pemi on trucks and motorcycles, shooting indiscriminately. Several homes were burned, along with a medical dispensary and a church building. At least seven villagers died, and as many as seven were reportedly abducted, including the pastor of the Evangelical Church of the Brethren.

Pemi is located approximately 20 kilometres from Chibok, the town where over 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped six years ago. A spokesman for the Chibok region believes that Pemi was specifically targeted because of its Christian population. "Since 2018, virtually every two weeks, Boko Haram has been attacking Chibok, killing and abducting people," Nkeki Mutah reports. "They want to wipe Chibok out from the surface of the earth."

Additional incidences took place on December 24th in the town of Garkida, northeast Nigeria, where the kidnapping of eleven Christians took place. Reports indicate that five vehicles transporting the insurgents entered the town, leading to an onslaught of looting, burning and shooting. The next day, a video was released showing five of the kidnapped community members being executed.

A splinter group of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility. In the video posted online, the assailants declare, "This is a warning to Christians in all parts of the world and those in Nigeria." Before each young man was shot from behind, they were given the opportunity to state their names: Uka Joseph, Sunday, Wilson, Joshua Maidugu and Garba Yusuf. Each of the young men's last words included the declaration: "I am a Christian." Greg Musselman has prepared a video report on this tragedy, leading us in prayer for the grieving families and community members of these five martyred believers. You can view the report here.

As you remember the courage and faithfulness of these martyred Christians, please also prayerfully uphold their families and friends during this time of mourning. May the lives and words of the young men serve as ongoing testimonies to their attackers, bringing conviction to their hearts and ultimately leading them to faith in Christ. Pray that Nigeria's governing authorities will wisely and diligently work to thwart any potential future attacks planned by the various militant groups as -- achieving needed safety, peace and stability throughout the country.

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    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

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    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

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    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
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    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

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  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

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