New Year Begins with Increased Violence

Believers gathered together in prayer.
Nigerian believers are seeking God’s intervention.
Photo: VOMC

In November 2023, a report was released stating that incidents of anti-Christian violence and kidnappings in Nigeria appeared to have declined in comparison to the year before (see this report). The Christmas season, however, was particularly violent (read more) and now, as 2024 begins, numerous reports seem to point towards increasing brutality from militant groups in northern and central Nigeria.

On January 1st, members of Boko Haram attacked two Christian villages in the Chibok region of Borno state. They first targeted Gartamawa village, killing 12 people and wounding two others. The militants then ambushed a group of Christians who were returning to the nearby village of Tsiha after mourning those killed earlier in Gartamawa. During the latter incident, three more believers were killed and one young girl was kidnapped.

Two days later, Fulani militants launched attacks in two counties of Kaduna state. In Kauru county, 17 Christians were killed and 36 others kidnapped. A government source reported that 22 of the abducted believers were later rescued by local vigilante groups. In Gefe village, Kajuru county, another 17 Christians were murdered. Speaking of these attacks, the state governor referred to the bandits as "beasts in human skin" whose sole aim is to "reverse the gains the good people of Kaduna State have made in rebuilding trust, forging understanding, and reviving the economies of conflict-challenged communities."

The violence continued on January 5th when a group identified as either fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or a faction of Boko Haram invaded the town of Kwari in Yobe state at approximately 1 a.m. The militants entered Pastor Luka Levong's church building and killed the Christian leader before setting the place of worship on fire. During the rampage, they raided the homes of several church members, killing 13 Christians, in addition to destroying their houses and vehicles.

January 7th also brought a series of fatal assaults by Fulani terrorists; this time, targeting three villages in Benue state. As villagers slept, the attackers moved from house to house, killing ten people and injuring several others. Many of the residents fled their villages to escape harm.

All of these recently occurring incidents indicate that Nigeria remains an extremely dangerous country for Christians, particularly because of the repeated attacks perpetrated by various militant groups. For more information on the violence targeting our Nigerian family in Christ, go to our country report.

As you approach the Lord's throne in prayer, please remember to lift up the multitudes of Nigerian Christians who are now mourning the tragic loss of their slain loved ones. May these surviving believers – who must live each day with the uncertainty of knowing when the next violent attack will take place – receive God's divine protection, as well as His great comfort, encouragement and hope. Pray for those in governmental authority, asking that they be given the wisdom and resources required to gain control over the violence committed by various militant groups. Ultimately, may the "Prince of Peace" reign sovereignly over this troubled African nation and within the hearts of its people.

  • 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.

Nigeria News

  • Ongoing Violence Leads to Church Closures
    Pastor Amos Mohzo is smiling.
    Pastor Amos Mohzo
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. One estimate states that, on average, every two hours there is a Christian in Nigeria who dies. The ongoing brutality comes from numerous directions, and news reports only reflect a small portion of the violent incidents that take place – whether they involve fatalities, abductions or the destruction of properties. In many cases, multiple atrocities take place during a terrorist attack.

  • Christians Slain After Being Forced from Bus
    Three Christian men are kneeling, while executioners holding guns are standing behind them.
    The three men who were killed by Boko Haram militants.
     

    On June 5th, a bus was travelling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway when a group of armed men forced it to stop near the village of Kamuya, which is located on the border between the states of Yobe and Borno. The terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and then allowed the rest of the travellers to leave.