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Nigeria

• Boko Haram Stages New Assault on Maiduguri

  Pray for Nigeria’s newly appointed leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. Photo: Chatham House via Wikimedia Commons

  Boko Haram has been attacking the major city of Maiduguri to re-establish their original base of operations, recognizing its strategic importance. The city's location provides an advantage which would allow the militant group to more easily spread throughout Nigeria, as well as infiltrate neighbouring countries. National leaders in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon are aware of this and have combined military forces to stop the group.

  In recent weeks, 46 civilians have been killed by the group's three failed attempts to infiltrate the city limits. President Muhammadu Buhari announced in his inauguration speech that the military headquarters was moving from the capital of Abuja to Maiduguri in the fight against Boko Haram. Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou stated that a multi-national force to fight Boko Haram will become operational in a couple of weeks. Troops from Niger, Chad and Cameroon have been helping Nigeria fight the militant group, which has staged attacks in all three neighbouring countries.

  More than 1.5 million Nigerians (many of whom are Christians) have been displaced by the nearly six-year Islamist uprising in Nigeria's northeast, which has already taken the lives of an estimated 13,000 people and caused tremendous anguish for countless more. For previously posted prayer alert and video reports on the dire situation in Nigeria, please go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Pray that the Lord will frustrate the evil plans of Boko Haram so they will fail in their continued attempts to perpetrate violence against Africa's innocent victims. May all those who have suffered at the hands of this militant group be spiritually, physically and emotionally healed, and thus enabled to overcome the trauma of the assaults. Intercede for the members of Boko Haram in hopes that many of them will come to know Christ in a personal and profound way. Also pray for Presidents Buhari and Issoufou, as well as all who are serving within these troubled countries, asking the Lord to grant them needed wisdom and protection as they implement strategies in their efforts to end the senseless violence and bloodshed.

• Believers Killed as Villages Raided

  Pray for the safety of Nigerian villages. Photo: Flickr / Melvin "Buddy" Baker

  On May 27th, suspected Fulani militants raided a number of Christian villages in central Nigeria. Sources report that the assailants attacked 20 villages in the Agatu local government area of Benue State, killing more than 30 people. Many others fled to displacement camps in neighbouring Kogi State. Meanwhile, militants also attacked several villages in Dorowa, Plateau State. The Nigerian military reportedly responded to the attack but made no search or arrests.

  Partners of VOMC's sister mission in the United Kingdom have stated that Fulani terror activities are on the rise in central Nigeria as Boko Haram attacks gradually build up around the north-eastern states.

  As Christians face increased attacks from Boko Haram and Fulani militants alike, pray that God's peace will reign in their hearts. May those in mourning from these latest assaults rest in the assurance that the Lord is ultimately in control and, therefore, He most surely will work all things together for good to those who love Him...and for His glory. In the meantime, let us also pray that the believers in Nigeria will be used by God to lovingly extend the Good News of Jesus to those currently walking in spiritual darkness.

  For more information on Nigeria's persecuted church, please visit this page.

• Pastor's Daughter Dies in Arson Attack

  A pastor's daughter has recently died, several people were injured, and a church building was completely torched during a vicious attack on a village in the Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State during the evening of April 1st.

  The daughter of Reverend Habila Garba suffocated to death following an arson attack on her home in Gidan Maso Village. Local Muslim youth had set fire to the house after failing to locate Yahaya Joshua, a Christian man who had briefly converted to Islam before returning to Christianity.

  The mob of militants had originally planned to kill Yahaya. Yet when they couldn't find him, they lit cornstalks inside the church and burned the building to the ground, ignoring the pleas of local believers. They then went on to attack the pastor's residence nearby. During the attack, the mob also physically assaulted local Christians with machetes, resulting in several injuries. Two of the victims, in particular, have sustained broken arms.

  As this ministering family now grieves the tragic loss of their precious loved one, pray that they will be greatly comforted in God's reassuring promises of eternal life through Christ's death and resurrection. Also pray for the full recovery of those who were injured in the assault. Ask that lasting peace will reign over this victimized community, halting any further plans of attack. Additionally, may the peaceful witness of the believers be used mightily to encourage many others to discover the truth about Jesus and, subsequently, turn to faith in Him.

  Please visit this page to learn more about the trials our Christian family endures in Nigeria.

• Kidnapped Missionary Released by Gunmen

  Phyllis Sortor FMCUSA via Morning Star News

  Phyllis Sortor, a 71-year-old missionary who was abducted by gunmen on February 23rd, was thankfully released from her captors on March 6th. The Christian woman was kidnapped from Hope Academy in Emi-Oworo village which is located within the central state of Kogi. Her main focus of ministry there was leadership development and the facilitation of a sponsorship program. She was also involved in establishing schools and instituting grazing projects to help alleviate the long-term conflicts between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

  Phyllis and her husband Jim previously ministered in Rwanda for nearly six years before moving to Nigeria in 2005. After Jim passed away in 2008, Phyllis remained in the African country where she continued to offer her gifts and talents to the Lord.

  A church leader shared that "Phyllis was aware there were risks associated with her ministry, but also knew there are very few places in the world without risks and dangers." In fact, Phyllis herself had recently proclaimed: "Heaven is for real! There is no guarantee in life; no safe place -- other than that place we find ourselves when our full faith and trust is in God!"

  Praise God that Phyllis has been released! May He grant her full healing as she now recovers from this arduous ordeal. Pray, too, that she will be given wisdom while endeavouring to discern His plans for her life going forward. Also ask that He richly bless the ministry efforts of this dear sister in Christ and her colleagues in Kogi State, using them to reach many with the Good News of Jesus.

• Dedicated Servant to the Poor Garners Eternal Reward

  Pastor Joshua Adah served in remote areas of Nigeria. Photo: Morning Star News

  A Christian father of two young children was slain on January 23rd in Taraba State. On the day of the attack, Pastor Joshua Adah was away visiting several villagers as part of an evangelistic outreach. While on his way back to the village of Bantaje, the church leader's vehicle broke down and he was brutally killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen and members of Boko Haram. Pastor Joshua is survived by his wife and their two children, ages six and eight.

  Pastor Joshua is being fondly remembered for his heart for the poor. His ministry brought education, medicine and clothing to thousands of impoverished people. "I don't know why God allowed Boko Haram to cut his life short," a ministry supporter shared of the faithful church leader. "Even when it became dangerous, he refused to (leave) but kept preaching Christ in villages and areas where many will not go."

  May our Lord of all compassion look with mercy on Pastor Joshua's grieving loved ones, sheltering each one under His wings of refuge (Psalm 91:4). In particular, pray that his wife and two young children will be surrounded and supported by their church family as they adapt to life without their beloved husband and father. May God also raise up new leaders to continue Pastor Joshua's vitally needed ministry work so that many thousands more will be shown His love and turn to faith in His Son Jesus.

  To learn more about the trials our Christian family in Nigeria faces, you can read our Country Report.

• Dozens of Believers Murdered in Recent Weeks

  The result of a previous Boko Haram car bombing in Jos, Nigeria. Diariocritico de Venezuela via Barnabas Fund

  At least 28 Christians were brutally murdered by militants during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's.

  On January 2nd, Fulani militants torched houses and killed 15 people in Ambe-Madaki village, Kaduna State. Ten others in the same area were murdered days earlier on December 27th. In Plateau State, Fulani gunmen killed three Christians in Kantoma village on New Year's Eve. One of the believers was gruesomely beheaded, creating a wave of panic. In Gombe city, Gombe State, a suicide bomb attack caused injuries to at least eight Christians who were guarding a New Year's Day prayer service. The explosion is thought to be the work of the Muslim militant group Boko Haram, in keeping with their declaration of an Islamic caliphate in northern Nigeria. Churches, which are often the target of Boko Haram bomb attacks, were thankfully spared over Christmas.

  "Christians in northern Nigeria face attack on two fronts: by Fulani militants who want their land, and Boko Haram who want an Islamic state," explains Paul Robinson, the Chief Executive Officer of Release International (VOMC's sister mission in the UK). He further notes the concern that Boko Haram may attempt to step up their attacks prior to the country's forthcoming elections in February.

  In the midst of ongoing chaos and carnage in Nigeria, pray that God will grant much needed peace and strength to the assaulted church there. In particular, may those now grieving the loss of loved ones due to these latest attacks be greatly comforted and given the ability to extend grace and forgiveness to the persecutors. Also pray that those recuperating from injuries will experience a full and swift recovery. In the coming weeks, may adequate security measures be taken to ensure safety for all citizens during the election, and may those elected work for greater stability in Nigeria.

• Christmas Outreach to Victims of Vicious Attacks

  This child in Nigeria is so happy to receive VOMC's Christmas Blessing package!

  Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is divided between a mainly Christian culture in the south and a radical Islamic agenda in the north -- the latter of which is characterized by massive riots, bombings and plans to create an Islamic state.

  Christmas Blessing Fund

  Back in 2009, the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, an al-Qaida ally, vowed to rid the north of all non-Muslim influence, including Christianity. Since then, more than 3,000 people have been tragically killed by the insurgents' target of Christian villages, churches and homes. Children were not exempt in the vicious attacks and, as a result, many have been left wounded, traumatized and/or orphaned. In another incident this year, which took place on April 14th, at least 270 Nigerian schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram. To date, more than 200 of the girls are still missing. (A previous prayer alert report on this incident can be found here.)

  During this month of December, The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is reaching out to the suffering Christians of Nigeria through the ministry's "Christmas Blessing" project. By providing these victimized believers needed practical aid through our various in-country projects, the compassion of Jesus and His healing touch is being extended to them in tangible ways. To be part of this "Christmas Blessing," you may go to our donation page.

  Please remember to pray for God's protection over these targeted believers in northern Nigeria throughout the Christmas season, including the abducted schoolgirls who have yet to be located. May He minister healing to those still suffering from the aftermath of the attacks. Ask Him to also touch the hardened hearts of the perpetrators, giving them the ability to sense their wrongdoing and empathize with their victims, so they will no longer be oblivious to the immense pain and suffering they are causing so many innocent people (Ezekiel 11:19). May they, too, have the opportunity to experience the presence of God in their lives by acknowledging Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

• Young Child's Terrible Encounter with Boko Haram

  Pray that God's hand of healing and blessing will be upon this little child. Village photo: Flickr / Mike Blyth

  After a brutal attack was perpetrated against Christian worshippers on Sunday, November 22nd in Attagara, a little three-year-old child by the name of "Joel" was running back home holding onto his Children's Bible when three Islamic insurgents grabbed him and forcibly sat him down.

  According to an eye witness, one of the insurgents wanted to take the Children's Bible from Joel's hand but the little boy refused. The angered Muslim insurgent snatched the Bible by force and threw it into a nearby burning fire. Joel ran toward the fire to rescue his beloved Bible.

  While struggling with a stick to remove his Bible from the fire, Joel was hit on the head with the butt of an AK-47 and pushed into the fire. Not satisfied, the insurgent proceeded to step on the young child's head, pressing it into the burning flames, all the while railing curses and abuses on the little boy, calling him a "stubborn infidel." After causing this incident, the heartless Boko Haram member then callously walked away, leaving the wounded child at the scene.

  While we can be thankful that this young child's life was spared, let us cry out to God on behalf of Joel and others like him who have so unjustly suffered at the hands of Boko Haram...asking the Lord to bring justice in such an unjust world. Additionally, ask Him to protect and preserve His people (Psalm 140), including vulnerable children. Pray that the Lord will not only completely heal little Joel and the other victimized members of his Christian community, but that He would also bless them with a strong faith, great endurance, and an unquenchable desire to love and serve Him despite the attack.

• Militants Seize Hometown of Abducted Schoolgirls

  Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. Wikipedia via Morning Star News

  It has recently been reported that the northeastern Nigerian town of Chibok (in Borno state) has been seized by Boko Haram militants. Since the group's abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in April of 2014, this mainly Christian town has been frequently mentioned in international news headlines. Boko Haram has also repeatedly targeted the villages surrounding Chibok in recent months in its fight to create an Islamic state within Nigeria.

• Boko Haram Continues Campaign of Terror in Borno State

  Pray for the safety of Christians in hideouts within Nigeria. Photo: Flickr/selena deckelmann

  Despite recent news of a cease-fire agreement between the government and Boko Haram, Nigerians in Borno State are continuing to endure horror at the hands of the militant group.

  In late October, Boko Haram militants sent messages to Christians who were hiding out in the hills of Gwoza Local Government Area, telling them that any non-Muslims found there would be killed. Many of the affected believers tried to escape to neighbouring Cameroon in the night, but were stopped. Boko Haram then later attacked the hill area, killing those who remained. Meanwhile, in Mafa village, 30 young people were reportedly kidnapped by the militants on October 25th and 26th.