Photo: Voice of America / Sani Malumfashi
At least 25 Christians were killed during attacks on the villages of Kum and Wereng-Comp in Plateau State, Nigeria, on July 11th. Among the victims were nine members belonging to a single Christian family, including a two-month-old infant.
The family was related to Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo, a Christian leader who has publicly condemned the violence targeting followers of Jesus in Nigeria. Pastor Ezekiel, whose video posts were also shared on social media, had been specifically mentioned by the American State Department in discussions concerning the ongoing persecution of Nigerian Christians.
Reports indicate that the family may have been targeted because of their association with Pastor Ezekiel. One surviving relative, James Yohanna, managed to escape by climbing through a window. Recounting the incident, James explained that the attackers broke into the family home and asked for Pastor Ezekiel by name before opening fire on those remaining inside. According to James, one of the militants declared, "Today you will learn a hard lesson." When the violence ended, James returned home to discover a scene of unimaginable devastation. Among those killed were his wife, daughters, son, daughter-in-law and infant granddaughter.
Since the July 11th attack, Pastor Ezekiel and members of his church have received written threats promising further violence and death. These threats have been reported to authorities, along with requests for increased security protection. To access additional reports regarding the violence perpetrated against Nigeria's Christians, visit our country profile.
- Please lift up the loved ones of those who were killed in these latest devastating attacks, asking God to minister His comfort within each of their lives, strengthen them as they process their grief, and fill them with the eternal hope and assurance provided by the atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.
- May the Lord's divine protection, wisdom and courage be granted to Pastor Ezekiel, his church family, and all those who continue to encounter threats because of their Christian faith.
- Pray for the ongoing spread of the Gospel message throughout Nigeria, so that many hearts will be drawn to Christ, cycles of hatred and violence can be broken, and God's peace would take root in communities across the nation.
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