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Nigeria

• Released Chibok Girls Reunite with Their Families

  
  Some of the kidnapped Chibok girls.

  Further to VOM Canada's previously announced report on October 13th, the day on which 21 of the Chibok schoolgirls were safely released from captivity, here is an update on the students' joyful reunion with their families which took place a few days after their release....

  During an emotional ceremony on October 16th in the capital city of Abuja, 21 of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls were joyfully reunited with their families. The girls, who were among more than 200 kidnapped in April 2014, survived almost two-and-a-half years of brutal captivity by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

  One of the freed girls openly expressed her gratitude for the Lord's help while testifying at the ceremony: "I was...(in) the woods when the plane dropped a bomb near me but I wasn't hurt. We had no food for one month and ten days but we did not die. We thank God." Another girl stated, "We never imagined that we would see this day but, with the help of God, we were able to come out of enslavement."

  Excited relatives were waiting with great anticipation for this reunion which took place three days after the girls' release from captivity. One parent announced, "We thank God. I never thought I was going to see my daughter again, but here she is... Those who are still out there, may God bring them back to be reunited with their parents."

  Most of the students kidnapped in April 2014 are still missing, and some may have died in captivity. It is unclear how the release was negotiated, but a government official reports that further negotiations are under way to free more of the schoolgirls.

  To view a brief news clip of the 21 Chibok schoolgirls being joyfully reunited with their families, visit this page. Let us rejoice over the Lord's deliverance of these girls, remaining mindful to pray for the safe and speedy release of their companions still in captivity.

• Terrorists Seize More Chibok Villages

  In northern Nigeria, members of the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, have struck again. On September 26th, the terrorists took over three villages near the town of Chibok which is located within Borno state. It has been reported that at least eight people, including a village elder, have been tragically killed. The attackers have brazenly hoisted their flag around these villages.

  At the time of these attacks, many families in the Chibok area were waiting in agony for news of the more than 200 schoolgirls who were abducted in April of 2014. Although a couple of the girls were rescued in May, and others have narrowly escaped, the majority of those seized by Boko Haram remained missing. (For a previously posted report on this situation, click here.)

  In an attempt to bring about a resolution, Nigeria's president, Muhammadu Buhari, recently made arrangements for further negotiations to take place with the militants. The president spoke of his willingness to arrange a swap, freeing a few imprisoned militants in exchange for the girls' safe release. On the day of this posting (October 13th), it was reported that negotiations mediated by the Red Cross and the Swiss government have resulted in some success. According to various news sources, 21 of the girls have just been released!

  May God minister great comfort and healing to all those who have been injured and bereaved as a result of these recent attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence, love and healing as they await their own release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Buhari, and other members of the Nigerian government, as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and defeat Boko Haram. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

• Mass Riots Result in Tragic Loss

  
  President Buhari
  Photo: Flickr / U.S. Department of State

  On August 21st, a Christian student of Abdu Gusau Polytechnic in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, had allegedly made a blasphemous statement. He was then beaten almost to the point of death by some angered Muslim students. A fellow Christian was able to rush him to the hospital with the help of a compassionate Muslim who volunteered the use of his car.

  The following morning, a mob of militants gathered in the community, insisting that the Christian student be killed. They went around the school, burning down the Christian fellowship secretariats. Then they proceeded to town, destroying churches and threatening to kill any Christian who ever decides to return to Talata Mafara. Unfortunately, the mob later set ablaze the house where the victimized student had taken refuge, burning him and seven others to death.

  President Muhammadu Buhari describes the killings that took place as barbaric and unacceptable: "I received news of the mob killings in Zamfara with great dismay.... I assure that the law will take its course. My prayers are with the families of the victims. Under my watch we will work to ensure that there is no place for violence in the name of religion, ethnicity, or in any guise whatsoever." Other reports revealing the seriousness of Nigeria's situation may be reviewed here.

  May our loving God, who promises to be close to the brokenhearted, bring greatly needed consolation to all who have suffered loss during the riots. Especially uphold the families, friends and community members of those who've tragically lost their lives, praying that His peace, strength and comfort will sustain them in the midst of their grief. Ask for the Lord's conviction to be upon the perpetrators so they will realize the seriousness of their hateful actions and their desperate need for His forgiveness and salvation. Also intercede on behalf of Nigeria's president and others in governmental authority who need wisdom, guidance and help as they strategize effective ways to combat the violence and protect their citizens.

• Update on Persecuted Teen (Danjuma)

  
  Danjuma with his mother.

  Some may remember a report that was published in the May 2016 issue of VOMC's publication about a young teen named Danjuma. The 13-year-old has endured horrific physical assaults for his Christian faith, resulting in the loss of his eyesight (one of his eyes had also been gauged out by Boko Haram militants), in addition to other serious injuries.

  We are pleased to inform you that Danjuma has received a prosthetic eye, and is doing well. Our ministry partners, who are in contact with the young teen and his mother, relay this good report to all who've been praying for him: "He is always so upbeat and positive. All the people, including the medical community treating him, say what an encouragement and blessing he is to be around."

  We encourage our readers to continue praying for Danjuma and his family as they make important decisions regarding his future and ongoing education. His situation represents hundreds of other children from Christian families who are suffering the aftermath of similar attacks. These children and their families are in need of our prayers and support.

• Pastor's Life Spared During Attack

  
  The Rev. Hamza Alkali at the Federal Medical Centre.
  Photo: Morning Star News

  After being seriously injured in a recent attack, Pastor Hamza Alkali required surgery to have the rest of his severed hand and wrist amputated. Even despite the loss of his hand, the 66-year-old pastor is very grateful. "If God was not with me, the Fulani (herds)man could have succeeded in taking my life," Pastor Hamza testifies. "I told the Fulani man that God -- who created me in His image -- will not give him the power to kill me."

  The church leader explained that when he first saw the herdsman coming onto his farmland, he thought the man was just passing through. So he continued working. Without further warning or greeting, the Fulani herdsman approached the pastor, asking him to hand over his mobile phone. When Pastor Hamza refused, the man attacked him with a sword, severing his hand. A struggle ensued, and the pastor was eventually able to wrestle the sword away from the assailant before further harm could be done.

  Pastor Hamza acknowledges that since Jesus Christ was persecuted, Christians must endure hardship and face any persecution head-on: "Every Christian that is passing through persecution should stand firm, as God will not abandon such a person. Our persecutors should know that one day they will stand before God to (give an) account for what they have done here on earth. So what they should do is come closer to God...repent and leave the evil ways they are following."

  We are grateful that God has given this pastor an opportunity to share the Gospel with the Fulani herdsman who instigated the attack. May the words of truth that were spoken to the perpetrator penetrate the hardness of the man's heart, bringing needed conviction of sin which will hopefully lead to repentance and salvation. Pray also for this dear pastor as he now recovers from the ordeal and adapts to daily life without the use of his hand. May the Lord minister in special ways to this brave spiritual leader by enabling him to continue his greatly needed ministry work in Nigeria.

• Martyrs Survived by Grieving Families

  
  Eunice Elisha, one of the workers martyred
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Two church workers in Nigeria have recently been killed by militants in separate incidents. Eunice Elisha was murdered in the early hours of July 9th near Nigeria's capital of Abuja. The 42-year-old mother of seven had gone out to preach as usual, her husband Pastor Olawale told local media.

  Eunice is described by her surviving husband as a zealous Christian who "rarely missed a day in church." When asked how he felt about the attack, Olawale replied: "I see (Eunice) as a martyr who died for Christ. Whether the people are caught or not, they should be forgiven." Police have since arrested six suspects, and will be continuing with their investigation.

  Eunice's case represents only one of several attacks targeting Christians in recent weeks. Reverend Joseph Kura, a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Obi town (located within Nigeria's central State of Nasarawa), was killed on June 30th by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

  Rev. Joseph was accompanied by three other people when he went to his farm at about 7 p.m. to cut down trees for roofing wood. As the group arrived at the farm, two armed men suddenly appeared from behind them. Rev. Joseph's severely mutilated body was later recovered from the scene. He leaves behind a wife and seven children. Additional reports on persecution in Nigeria, along with informative video documentaries, are available here.

  May the families and friends of these 'good and faithful servants' be greatly comforted with God's promises of everlasting life: 1) the assurance that their loved ones have gone on to receive their eternal rewards, and 2) the anticipated hope of one day being reunited with them in the presence of our Lord Himself. In the meantime, pray that their grieving hearts will be sustained by the loving and cherished memories they've shared over the years and, most important of all, through the empowerment, love and peace of God through a relationship with our Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ. Intercede for the perpetrators that they may also come to personally know Him and His saving grace.

• Concerns Surround Proposed Legislation

  
  President Buhari
  Photo: Flickr / U.S. Department of State

  A year after the official swearing in of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government of Nigeria is considering two bills that, if passed, will shift Africa's most populous country further toward Islam.

  One bill proposes to establish grazing reserves in every state of Nigeria for the nomadic Fulani people, who are widely known to have been infiltrated by the militant organization Boko Haram. If passed, this bill could serve to facilitate extremist Muslim expansion into the south where most of Nigeria's Christian population lives.

  Another bill, which allows for expanded jurisdiction of Sharia courts in Nigeria, quietly passed a second reading without debate on May 19th. However, both Christian and Muslim students launched a peaceful protest in the nation's capital city of Abuja on June 7th, condemning the bill for being dangerously divisive and a blatant attempt to Islamize Nigeria.

  President Buhari, a former military dictator, ran unsuccessfully on pro-Sharia platforms in presidential polls during the years 2003, 2007 and 2011. One reason he won the presidency in March of 2015 was because he dropped his pro-Sharia stance. To learn more about the country of Nigeria, click here.

  Thank you for praying for Nigeria's governmental representatives that they would have the courage to step up and vote against this proposed new legislation. May they uphold human rights, including freedom of religion. Pray that the country's Christian leaders will serve as bold witnesses, conveying the truth and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that many others will have the opportunity to experience His life-transforming power. This includes the Fulani herdsmen in need of His conviction and strength to break free of the terror infiltrated by Boko Haram. For only with the Lord's help will there be an end to such violence and injustice in Nigeria, and the needful reign of true peace throughout the land.

• Fatal Attack Over Facebook Post

  A 24-year-old Christian named Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel was killed by a mob of militants in Nigeria after being accused of posting a blasphemous statement about the prophet Mohammed on Facebook. The killing was part of a larger attack on Pandogari town in which three other people also tragically lost their lives and a church was burned down.

  According to a statement released by army spokesman N.C. Agwu, a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps was among those who lost their lives after rioters blocked the Lagos-Kaduna Road. "Some arrests have been made in connection with the violence and the suspects (were) handed over to the police," he reports.

  A Baptist pastor in nearby Kagara town further explains that Facebook exchanges between two young people in Pandogari triggered the attacks: "The incident began with Facebook chats between a Muslim and a Christian.... The Muslim youth mobilized other Muslims in the town on claims that the Christian youth had blasphemed the prophet Mohammed." The pastor adds that the militant group then burned down the Fellowship Baptist Church in Pandogari town.

  To learn more about the country of Nigeria, and to review previous reports and video documentaries, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Please pray for the people of Nigeria, and especially those who have been affected by the recent killings in Pandogari town. May the group members responsible for the violence be brought to justice. Intercede on behalf of Nigerians in the community who do not yet know Christ, nor understand the impact of their negative actions, that they may seek the truth of the Gospel and grow in God's wisdom and grace. Pray for an end to the scourge of persecution which can only take place when Christians and Muslims fully extend the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in order to reside peaceably and harmoniously.

• Rescue of Missing Schoolgirls Raises Hope

  
  Some of the kidnapped Chibok girls.

  Nigeria's army has rescued a second Chibok student, two days after rescuing 19-year-old Amina Ali Nkeki, the first of the 219 kidnapped girls to be found alive in a forest close to the Cameroon border. "We are glad to state that among those rescued is a girl believed to be one of the Chibok Government Secondary Schoolgirls that were abducted on April 14, 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists," announced Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, the army's Acting Director of Public Relations, shortly after Amina was located.

  BBC further reported that Amina, who had a child with her, was found during a routine daily patrol by a pro-government vigilantes group set up to help fight Boko Haram. At the time, it was noted that all the other missing girls were still in the forest, except the six who had died. The vigilante leader explained that when Amina was reunited with her mother "she gave her the biggest hug ever, as if they were going to roll on the ground." He added that Amina told her mother: "I never thought I would ever see you again.... God has made it possible for us to see each other...."

  The second Chibok student, Serah Luka, who is believed to be the daughter of a pastor, has been receiving medical attention at a health facility in Borno state since her rescue. Also rescued during the operation were close to 97 other women and children who were being held captive by Boko Haram in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno. Recent military operations by Nigerian forces have led to territorial gains and paved the way for reconstruction efforts. More information on persecution in Nigeria, including online video reports, can be found at our Nigeria Country Report.

  We thank God for your faithful prayers over the years on behalf of these brave girls, and for their unwavering faith in His protection during their many months of suffering. Continue to pray for the release of the remaining schoolgirls from captivity and that, as they await deliverance from their present situation, their trust will remain steadfastly in Him. May each of them fully recover from their ordeal so they can experience renewed wholeness and freedom.

• Rebel Fighters Sign Up for Rehabilitation Program

  The Nigerian military has made significant gains against the Boko Haram terrorist group in the past 18 months, raiding a number of the group's camps in Nigeria's vast Sambisa forest, and freeing at least a thousand women and children who were taken captive during other mass abductions.

  Yet, in none of the raids have any rescued prisoners or captured fighters been able to give convincing accounts of meeting or seeing the Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped on the night of April 14, 2014. The militant group's leader, Abubakr Shekau, had previously demanded the release of jailed comrades in exchange for the girls. But a deal along those lines -- brokered by the Red Cross -- fell through after Nigerian prison officials said that the commanders on a list given to them by Boko Haram were not in their custody.

  The terrorist group is now seeking a large ransom for the release of the remaining 219 schoolgirls. (Some of the girls have thankfully managed to safely escape captivity.) The sect is thought to have issued the demand during secret contacts with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari who has announced his willingness to negotiate for the girls' freedom. A previous report on the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls may be reviewed here.

  Another encouraging step has recently been made by the government. Nigeria's Defence Headquarters launched "Operation Safe Corridor," a program to rehabilitate repentant Boko Haram fighters through camps where they will be offered jobs and training in return for undergoing biometric profiling. The military said some 800 fighters have already signed up for the program, and that other similar camps will be available across northeast Nigeria in ensuing months.

  While we can be so very grateful for the wonderful gains made thus far, please pray for the success of the rehabilitation program. May many more Boko Haram members firmly resolve to leave their former deeds of evil behind them, and instead reach for the greater plans God has in store for their future. Ask the Lord to continue ministering to the abducted victims being held against their will – resulting in their liberty from captivity, reunion with concerned family members, and the restoration of their lives. Uphold Nigeria's governmental leaders as they seek to bring an end to the violence, rehabilitate insurgents, and provide protection for the civilian population. May He bless them with wisdom, strength and discernment.