Tags

Nigeria

  • Incidences of Extreme Violence Against Christians

    Injuries from a previous attack

    Further incidences of targeted violence have taken place against Christians in the northern Nigerian state of Borno. On April 20th, gunmen pulled over a bus near Maiduguri, demanding the passengers aboard to declare their faith. The gunmen then proceeded to kill six people who had confessed they were Christians.

    It was also reported that militants have recently embarked upon an "Islamization campaign" in Gwoza (also located in Borno state). In this situation, residents were threatened by gunmen who were going from door to door, demanding that the family members within each household profess allegiance to Islam at gunpoint.

    On April 19th, just prior to these violent acts of persecution, intensive warfare was raging in the far north of Borno between the military and the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. At least 185 people have died and up to 2,000 homes were destroyed due to this violent conflict which took place in the remote town of Baga (near the Chad border). The aim of Boko Haram is to create an Islamic state across northern Nigeria. For an overview of the country's situation, previous prayer alerts, and on-location video clips, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

    Pray for God's peace and healing upon all the traumatized victims of these violent attacks, and for His comforting presence to be with those experiencing loss. May each of these surviving victims draw near to Him, knowing that He is their 'mighty rock and refuge' in times of trouble (Psalm 62:7). Also ask that He will bless the efforts of the Christian workers commissioned by Him to serve tirelessly in communities affected by the violence, sustaining and strengthening these faithful servants as they seek to bring His hope and restoration.
  • Tragic Loss Takes Place Due to Recent Bombings

    Damages from a previous bombing in Nigeria

    At least twenty people were killed on March 18th by a series of bombings targeting buses in a predominantly Christian neighbourhood of Nigeria's northern city of Kano. A rescue official on the scene reported: "I saw three buses on fire. One of them was fully loaded with passengers waiting to leave the station at the time of the blasts." While officials suspect the series of explosions were likely initiated by suicide bombers, investigators are still collecting evidence to confirm that theory.

    As the bombings took place in a predominantly Christian area of Kano, officials suspect that Christians were most likely being targeted by the attacks. Sadly, too many innocent victims in northern Nigeria have either been killed or injured by Boko Haram's heinous acts of violence. The official death toll is expected to rise as security officials continue to examine the scene of the most recent bombing. For other reports on Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

    Pray that these believers in Nigeria will find refuge in the Lord and not be overcome by fear (Psalm 46). May they follow Christ's example in both their reaction to this unwarranted violence and their attitude toward the perpetrators (1 Peter 2:21-23). Also pray that the Lord's comforting presence and promised 'peace that surpasses all understanding' be experienced by the families of the victims.
  • Most Dangerous Country for Residing Christians

    Living Faith Church Damaturu, Nigeria, destroyed
    by Boko Haram, 11 October 2011
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    According to the new 2013 edition of the World Watch List, produced by Open Doors, Nigeria is considered the most dangerous country for a Christian to live. The researchers report, "Between November 2011 and October 2012, we recorded 1,201 killings of Christians worldwide of which 791 happened in Nigeria." Since 2009, the attacks of Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group, have claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people. The majority of the attacks were made against churches -- spanning from the capital Abuja, across mid-to-northern Nigeria, and through to Sharia-law northern states.

    In the militant group's ruthless attempts to overthrow the government for the purpose of creating an Islamic state, the resulting havoc and destruction has taken its toll in what is known as Africa's most populous country. And the aftermath of the tragedies affecting Nigeria's innocent victims can be described as excruciating. Deborah painfully recalls how her husband was shot dead in front of her, and how their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, were taken away by the perpetrators on April 25th, 2012. This distraught mother has not received any news of her girls since then. A few months after their abduction, her third child (a son) was shot and killed. To hear the testimonies of three other Nigerian widows who were caught in the midst of the country’s violence, visit our multimedia site.

    While many Christian families have been able to flee from these volatile areas, a small minority of remaining residents are now living in constant fear of further unexpected attacks. In an effort to provide some protection, the government has deployed a special army-police unit. However, it's reported that the security is still fragile in this part of the world. To better understand the plight of believers in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

    Please continue to pray for the surviving victims of the attacks, as well as those who have tragically lost loved ones. May our Heavenly Father assure them of His comforting presence and tremendous love, while also providing them a safe place in which they can heal and be restored. Ask that He give the government officials (including Nigeria's Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan) wisdom and support, both nationally and internationally, as they raise up a standard against the tide of evil seeking to overcome them. In fact, pray that God will somehow capture the attention of the members of Boko Haram, helping them to realize the seriousness of their actions against His innocent people and leading them to sincere repentance and spiritual transformation.
  • More Unexpected Attacks During Militant Rampages

    Damages from a previous church attack.

    More vicious attacks have been made against the peaceful inhabitants of two Christian villages. During the early hours of February 22nd, ten family members were tragically hacked to death and two others sustained gunshot wounds after an unexpected attack took place in Kogwom Village (Vom District in Jos South, Plateau State). The grieving family had gathered together that morning to conduct the funeral of a grandmother when the unfortunate tragedy took place.

    The second incident happened on February 23rd at about 10 p.m., this time in Aduwan Gida Village (located in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna). Similarly, it occurred when villagers had gathered to mourn the loss of an elderly member of the community. After gunmen fired indiscriminately for about ten minutes, a total of six people were killed (including a nursing mother and her six-month-old baby) and many others injured. All who survived are receiving needed medical care at undisclosed locations. It is suspected by authorities that members of the notorious militant Muslim group, Boko Haram, are the perpetrators of the malicious attacks. Read more about the intense persecution facing Nigerian believers at our Nigeria Country Report.

    Pray for the comforting presence of Jesus to be with these dear villagers as they mourn the sudden loss of their beloved family and community members, while dealing with the resulting shock and senselessness of these crimes. May they experience the blessed hope of eternity, where they will one day be reunited with their loved ones – never to be parted ever again. In the meantime, ask that the wicked plans of the enemy against these vulnerable believers be thwarted and brought to nil, and that the hearts of the attackers will be touched by God's transforming love.
  • Churches Attacked on Christmas Eve

    While the majority of Christians around the world were peacefully celebrating our Lord's birth on Christmas Eve, vicious attacks took place during two church services in northern Nigeria that have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 innocent people. This is the third year in a row that violent attacks have been launched against Christians in Nigeria at Christmas. For more information on the challenges facing Nigerian believers, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

    Gunmen opened fire at the Church of Christ in Nations located in a small village of Yobe state, killing a total of six people, including the pastor. The perpetrators also set the church on fire and left several congregants seriously injured. That same night, a deacon and five other Christians were killed at the First Baptist Church in the city of Maiduguri (Borno state). Although no one has claimed responsibility for this year's attacks, an Islamist terrorist group known as Boko Haram is widely suspected. Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan has issued a statement promising improved security for Christian communities.

    Please lift up those who have been greatly impacted by the attacks, asking God to overshadow them with His comforting presence and perfect peace. Also pray that He will powerfully minister healing to the injured and bereaved, and that all surviving Christians in northern Nigeria will receive an extra measure of His grace and strength to remain faithful in the midst of persecution. Thank the Lord for His promise to remain close to the brokenhearted and to save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). May He impart wisdom and courage to the country's authorities as they take necessary steps to end the violence caused by extremism.
  • Update: Suicide Bomber Kills More Christians

    It is reported that suicide bombers killed 11 people and injured 30 more in the Kaduna state of northern Nigeria. (Since the initial report, we have been informed that the number of fatalities has increased to 15.) The bombs had detonated following a Sunday worship service on November 25th after two vehicles carrying ammunition were driven into the state's military barracks with the purpose of attacking the church.

    It is not clear who was responsible for the attack, but the BBC reports that the army suspects the Islamist militant group Boko Haram is responsible. This group is fighting to overthrow the government and impose an extreme form of Sharia (Islamic law).

    Prior to the attack, Nigeria's military offered a monetary reward (about $317,000 US) for assistance in finding suspected Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. Additional financial rewards were offered for helping to locate other suspected leaders of the group.

    At least 50 people were killed in bombings in Kaduna this past June and in the reprisals that followed. Last month, at least 15 people, mostly children and women, were killed and about 150 others were injured after a suicide bomber attacked a large Catholic church in the same state (for more about this, click here). According to the Human Right Watch, more than 2,800 people have died in fighting since Boko Haram's insurrection began in 2009.

    Please pray the victims' distraught families would sense God's comforting presence and strength as they process the trauma and grief of sudden loss. Ask that Boko Haram's leadership would indeed be captured and brought to justice, disabling their efforts to continue killing and intimidating Christians. Despite this violence, may our Christian brothers and sisters find the strength to model Christ-like behaviour by responding to their enemies in a God-honouring manner (Matthew 5:44).

    To learn more about persecution in Nigeria, please visit the Nigeria Country Report.
  • Church building in Nigeria targeted in bomb attack

    Shadrack Luka, eight, was among 12 Christians wounded
    in a previous church attack near Zonkwa, Kaduna state.
    Photo: Compass Direct News

    A suicide bomber forced his way into St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kaduna City on October 28, detonating an explosion that killed at least seven worshippers and left dozens with severe injuries.

    According to eyewitnesses, after being denied entrance to the church grounds at the gate, the bomber reversed his vehicle and rammed into the church's perimeter wall, destroying the area reserved for the church's choir. The force of the explosion also caused severe structural damage to several nearby homes and buildings.

    Please pray for the grieving and the injured. Ask the Lord to bless the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan and all those in authority who are seeking to bring an end to the violence. Pray the Lord will give Nigerian Christians the desire and the ability to forgive their attackers and respond with love.

    To learn more about persecution in Nigeria, please visit the Nigeria Country Report.
  • Gunmen murder 14 Christians

    Militants have killed at least 14 ethnic Berom Christians in raids on villages in Plateau state. Included in those killed were a mother and her three children in Riyom, as well as two half-brothers who were reportedly ambushed in their car and shot dead in Barkin Ladi. A 33-year-old man, Yohana Tengwong, was shot in Barkin Ladi as well.

    Please pray that the violence will cease and that peace will envelop the region. Pray that believers under attack or witnessing attacks will be empowered to forgive and embody Christ's merciful love. Pray for wisdom and guidance for Nigeria's leaders and authorities.

    For more on Nigeria's persecuted Church, go to the Nigeria Country Report.
  • Students killed in massacre

    Boko Haram has attacked many churches
    and other Christian sites this year.

    Boko Haram, an Islamic militant group, invaded the off-campus hostel of Federal Polytechnic College on October 1 and murdered up to 30 students. The attack took place in the city of Mubi in remote Adamawa State, located in north-eastern Nigeria.

    Gunmen reportedly rounded up the students and demanded to know their names. If they gave a Christian name, they were given a chance to deny their Christian faith and convert to Islam by reciting the shahada (Muslim prayer of faith). If they refused and stood firm in their Christian faith, they were either shot or stabbed to death on the spot. Survivors say some Muslims were also murdered, either mistakenly or intentionally. Those who gave Muslim names were required to say a Muslim prayer to prove their faith. If they could not recite the prayer, they were killed.

    President Goodluck Jonathan has called the gruesome attack "sad and shocking" and has ordered an investigation. Some officials have suggested the massacre may have been linked to a recent student election. Police have reportedly arrested many suspects.

    Please pray for those mourning the loss of family members or friends. Pray that, in the midst of their grief, they may be filled with the joy that comes from knowing that they will see their loved ones again at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). Pray the Christians in the community will not retaliate but will show Christ-like love and forgiveness.

    For more on Nigeria's persecuted Church, go to the Nigeria Country Report.
  • Church bombed in repeat attack on believers

    Damages from a previous attack in Nigeria

    At least three people have been killed and more than 48 injured in a suicide bombing at a church in Bauchi Town, Nigeria. Among those confirmed as deceased are the bomber and a woman and child who died at the scene. Many others are hospitalized with life threatening injuries.

    The bomber, a suspected member of Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, detonated his explosives at the church gate after being refused entry.

    This is the second such attack on Christians in the town within one week. The previous Sunday, four gunmen opened fire on a building, killing five at the scene and injuring four who later died in hospital.

    It is believed that Boko Haram, which translates as "Western education is sin," is attacking Christians in the north to incite sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians in order to press for the separation of the Muslim-majority north from the Christian-majority south.

    Please pray for those who have lost a loved one or whose loved ones are suffering from injuries. Please pray that the violence of Boko Haram will cease and that a supernatural peace that surpasses all earthly understanding will envelop Nigeria. Pray that Christians in Nigeria will not retaliate in anger but will show Christ-like love to their persecutors.

    Go to the Nigeria Country Report to learn more about Nigeria's persecuted Church.

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