the lives of multitudes in Nigeria.
On May 20th, the Nigerian military reported that 350 captives had been recovered from Boko Haram bases in the Sambisa Forest, a well-known enclave for the militant group in eastern Nigeria. Some of the captors were killed during the military operation. All of the rescued former hostages were taken to the Borno state government house where they will be cared for until they can safely return to their homes.
Most of the rescued victims, who were mainly women and children, had been held captive for months; and some of them for years. The 209 children, 135 women and six men, who were wearing worn-out clothing, appeared exhausted during the press conference. Some of the women had infants with them, believed to have been born from forced marriages to their captors. Hajara Umara has seven children and spoke of how she and other captive women were unable to escape because of the need to care for their children.
In another raid against Boko Haram, which took place during mid-May, the military of Cameroon rescued over 300 civilians along the country's borders with Chad and Nigeria. Additionally, during the previous month, a number of other civilian hostages were rescued by troops from Chad and Cameroon. Negotiations between officials of these neighbouring countries are presently underway to help the rescued civilians return to their homes.
Unfortunately, these recent raids against Boko Haram have not resulted in a cessation of violence. On the evening of May 24th, gunmen – believed to be belonging to a faction of the militant group – attacked the Kuchi community in Niger State, killing ten people and kidnapping dozens of others. The assailants returned two nights later, seizing livestock and food while also setting fire to local shops. At least 700 residents were forced to flee to nearby communities.
Members of the Boko Haram terrorist group seek to overthrow the Nigerian government and establish an Islamic nation. Often, Christians are particularly targeted in the attacks. Since the establishment of Boko Haram in 2009, its members have been inciting terror against many Christian communities. Additional information on the violence committed against Nigeria's followers of Jesus is available at our country report.
Praise God that hundreds of innocent victims have recently been released from captivity! Pray that the Lord will meet all of their practical and spiritual needs as they recover from the trauma and gradually reintegrate into their communities; all the while, helping them to navigate through the changes that have taken place over the months/years since their captivity. May the peace of Christ not only be sensed within their own hearts, but also in the lives of others throughout Nigeria – including the terrorists – thus bringing an end to the violence. In the interim, ask God to provide our Nigerian Christian brothers and sisters safety and encouragement as they continue to steadfastly proclaim the message of Jesus.
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