Photo: Wikimedia / Kambai Akau (CC)
The governor of Nigeria's Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has raised concerns about a group attempting to enforce Sharia law in the state without official authorization. In response, authorities have initiated measures to stop the group's activities.
In northern Nigeria, 12 states have enacted Sharia law and established religious police, known as Hisbah, to enforce Islamic law among Muslim citizens. A recent Persecution & Prayer Alert report highlighted a specific case that had recently taken place in Kano State as a result of the enforced law, where members of the Hisbah Corps brought charges against a Christian woman despite lacking the authority to do so. (See more details.)
Unlike many northern states, Sharia law has not been instituted in Plateau State, where Christians make up the majority of the population. Despite this, a group began operating as self-appointed Hisbah police, reportedly harassing residents, demanding money from them, and imposing rules and restrictions without any legal authority. Upon learning about these abusive activities, Governor Mutfwang warned those involved to cease their actions or face arrest and prosecution. Security agencies have been instructed to identify those responsible and ensure that residents are protected from harassment, intimidation and coercion.
This development comes amid ongoing religious tensions and insecurity in Nigeria, where Christian communities frequently encounter brutal attacks from militant Islamic groups. Over the years, thousands of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives due to such violence. For more information, including informative video interviews, go to our country profile.
- Please pray for the many followers of Christ in Nigeria who are presently experiencing intimidation, discrimination and threats of violence from Islamic militants and vigilante groups, asking God to daily strengthen, protect and encourage them.
- Ask the Lord to minister His peace, healing and comfort to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones who had been slain during previously occurring attacks, praying that His presence will continue to sustain them in the midst of their sorrow.
- Intercede on behalf of Nigeria's governing leaders, in hopes they would consistently promote justice, protect the rights of all citizens, and administer diplomatically to ensure peace and security are being rightly upheld within their communities.
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