Tags

Attack

• Two Christian Brothers Forcibly Converted

  

  Two Christian brothers, Azam and Nadeem George Masih, were reportedly kidnapped on January 22nd before being beaten and forced to recite an Islamic conversion creed. The assailants recorded a video statement in which the brothers were forced to state that they had converted to Islam of their own free will.

• Dozens of Christians Kidnapped, Others Killed

  

  Violence against Christians continues unabated in many areas of Nigeria, as recently published reports indicate that militants are increasingly invading villages to kill, injure and kidnap dozens of believers – destroying their homes and church buildings in the process. While the kidnappings are frequently financially motivated, Christians are often the primary targets of radical Islamists' attacks. For further details on how Christians are being affected by the ongoing violence in Nigeria, go to our country report.

• Mob Attack Forces Church to Host Services Online

  

  In the early morning of September 16th, a mob consisting of approximately 50 people had gathered at the front gate of the Maranatha Chapel in Depok City. Mob members angrily banged on the gate while shouting and causing a disturbance. Thankfully, at the time, no service was taking place inside the church building and the crowd eventually dispersed.

• Christian Boy Beaten for Alleged Blasphemy

  

  A young Christian boy was recently badly beaten by his Muslim schoolteacher after he allegedly committed a blasphemous act in class. The incident, which took place in the Pakistani city of Khanewal, has raised concerns about the lack of religious tolerance and justice in the community.

• Church Attacked as Part of Growing Trend

  

  Two churches in the same town of Nepal's Lumbini Province were attacked during the first four days of September. Reports describing the incident indicate that damage was done to the facilities of both churches, as well as to a motorbike. In one photograph, two men identified as pastors are shown being assaulted on the street. A sticky black substance was smeared on their faces in an act considered a cultural sign of disrespect and hatred.

• Seminary Student Dies in Fire

  

  In what appears to have been a failed kidnapping attempt, a Catholic seminary student died of smoke inhalation on September 7th after the parish rectory was set on fire. The priest and his ministry assistant were able to escape the fire, but 25-year-old Na'aman Danlami was unable to get out of the building in time.

• Pastor Killed in Kaduna State

  

  Violence perpetrated by various terrorist groups has been continuing unabated in Nigeria, particularly against Christians. Even with increased security measures in place, Islamic militants continue to conduct deadly raids on Christian communities. A report released in April indicated that over 50,000 followers of Jesus have died and over 18,000 churches were set ablaze since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009. Those numbers continue to rise, particularly with the increasing attacks by Islamic Fulani groups. For more details on the violence against Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.

• Mass Violence After Blasphemy Accusations

  

  On August 16th, thousands of people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, a town located in the Faisalabad district of Punjab. Angered by allegations of blasphemy, and spurred on by urgent announcements that had been broadcasted over mosque loudspeakers, the incited mob either damaged or utterly destroyed up to 26 church buildings and as many as 400 homes. Thankfully, there were no reports of casualties following this recent attack. Please take the time to view the informative video alert that VOMC released the next day, which includes footage of the actual attacks.

• Church Attacked During Prayer Service

  

  Members of the Lala Zarr Church in Peshawar had gathered for a prayer service on the evening of August 3rd when a group of angry men from the neighbourhood suddenly rushed into their place of worship. Initially, the men demanded that the volume of the sound system be reduced. However, shortly after the disruption, several other armed men stormed into the church building that evening, causing panic among the congregation.

• Increasing Violence by IS Terrorists

  

  According to an analysis conducted by BBC Monitoring, the self-declared terrorist group, Islamic State (IS), and its affiliated members have significantly escalated a campaign of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the first half of 2023, the terrorists claimed to have instigated 58 violent attacks in the DR Congo, targeting those whom they identify as Christians. These attacks are concentrated in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.