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Nigeria

• 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.

• Released Pastor Fails to Survive in Wilderness

  
  The late Rev. Iliya Anto
  Photo: Morning Star News

  On March 21st, assailants kidnapped three church leaders at gunpoint after storming the church prayer camp site in Kaduna, north-central Nigeria, where the clergymen were supervising preparations for an Easter church service. With the use of a mobile phone that was owned by one of the seized pastors, the kidnappers made an outgoing call in demand of ransom.

  Rev. Iliya Anto, thought to have been previously released by the kidnappers because of ill health, was found dead in the bush ten days after the abduction. Details of his death remain unclear. The other two pastors, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Dziggau and Rev. Yakubu Dzarma, were released on March 30th.

  According to published reports, it appears that well-armed cattle rustlers in Nigeria's Kaduna state, formerly reputed for incidences of rape and pillaging over the years, have recently turned to kidnapping. Police officials in northern Kaduna reportedly announced that they have set up a special task force to tackle the "change of tactics by the bandits."

  For other reports on persecution in Nigeria, go to our online country report.

  Please pray for the believers of this church in Kaduna as they mourn the loss of their dear pastor and friend, Rev. Iliya. Ask God to also minister to the pastor's grieving family, surrounding them with the comforting presence and peace of our Lord Jesus. May He guide the investigations and strategies of the police as they try to solve the mystery of Rev. Iliya's sudden passing and deal with the new tactics of the cattle rustlers. Ask that the officers of this case be granted wisdom as they navigate the best way to handle the assailants, in hopes of achieving resolution and a peaceful cease of conflict.

• Young Persecuted Teen Faces Upcoming Surgery

  
  Pray for Danjuma's upcoming surgery.

  Danjuma, a 13-year-old Christian boy who was severely injured during an attack on his village about a year ago, is scheduled for surgery to repair the damage that was done to his left eye. On January 28th, 2015, Islamic militants who are members of the Boko Haram terrorist group attacked Danjuma with a machete, cutting into the left side of his head and later gouging out his right eye.

  As a result of the inhumane physical assaults he experienced, Danjuma is blind and unable to distinguish any light in his remaining left eye. He navigates his surroundings with a walking stick, and will soon be attending a school for the blind. The young teen has also experienced other major health concerns as a result of the attack, and yet his bright and cheerful countenance -- despite the physical challenges he contends with -- is a great inspiration to all who know him.

  Our in-country ministry partners have requested prayer on behalf of Danjuma's upcoming eye surgery in hopes that the scheduled procedure will help him to regain his vision. Incidentally, Danjuma's testimony will be featured in the upcoming May 2016 issue of VOM Canada's monthly newsletter. If you are not already receiving this complementary publication, you may subscribe here.

  Praise God for Danjuma's great love for the Lord and his joyful buoyant spirit, although he and his family have suffered so greatly. Pray that this young man will be further strengthened in his resolve to live wholeheartedly for Jesus, serving as a vibrant testimony to those of his village and beyond.... As the surgery approaches, may he experience the peace "that surpasses all understanding," resting in the assurance that God can be trusted to work out His very best plan with the outcome. May the future be bright and full of many wonderful opportunities for Danjuma who is grateful for VOM's provision of medical assistance and quality education.

• Christian Farmers Massacred

  Fulani herdsmen have admittedly slain hundreds of Christian farmers in Benue state, central Nigeria. The heavily armed herdsmen attacked about 300 farmers between February 22nd and 29th in the Agatu local government area of this mainly Christian state, and at least eight others have been killed on March 8th in the Logo area.

  As a result of the attacks, five villages were "utterly destroyed" and numerous homes looted. An estimated 7,000 people have been displaced and forced to seek refuge in camps. Government officials state that the herdsmen have begun clearing the areas voluntarily but locals have noticed that the attackers and their cattle are still occupying villages in Agatu.

  Herdsmen leaders are justifying their murderous actions, claiming that they were committed in retaliation for the thousands of cows that were reportedly killed by local villagers – although there is no evidence backing their accusation. A fact-finding team, which included a human rights lawyer, suspects that the violence was religiously motivated. It was further noted that the churches and Christian homes in these particular areas had been specifically targeted while the mosques were left untouched.

  Information on another attack committed by Fulani herdsmen earlier this year is available here.

  May all in Nigeria who have experienced loss and displacement as a result of this recent crisis be especially comforted by the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His own life so that they could have abundant life in Him (John 10:10-11). Pray that He will lovingly bind up the brokenhearted, heal the afflicted, and bring provision to those in need. Uphold the country's governing leaders, requesting that they be granted the wisdom, courage and strength to discern and do His will while tackling the extremism perpetrated by the militants. Also pray that the Lord of the spiritual battle will dismantle and disarm the enemy's power so that the bloodshed of His people would cease. We cry out for safe pastures on behalf of Nigeria's Christians that they may live, work and worship in peace.

• Boko Haram Firebombs Village

  
  A Nigerian village
  Photo: Flickr/Melvin "Buddy" Baker (cc)

  A survivor hidden in a tree couldn't escape the trauma he witnessed as heavily armed Boko Haram terrorists firebombed huts during their ruthless evening attack on Dalori village in northeastern Nigeria. Nor can he forget the screams of the other villagers -- including children -- who were among the many victims traumatized, wounded or killed by the January 30th attack.

  According to survivors and soldiers at the scene, scores of charred bodies with bullet wounds littered the streets of the village and a nearby camp housing more than 20,000 refugees. Officials now report that the number of fatalities has reached 86, with more than a hundred injured. The agenda of Nigeria's homegrown Islamic militant group includes enforcing a stricter adherence of Sharia law and ridding northern Nigeria of Christianity.

  An additional incident which took place at a nearby unprotected village, caused by the explosions of three suicide bombers, has only heightened concerns for residents of northern Nigeria's frequently targeted Christian communities. To learn more about the atrocities experienced by the followers of Christ in northern Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Please join us in praying for our traumatized Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria who have experienced such tremendous pain and loss as a result of Boko Haram's vicious attacks against their communities. May these believers strongly sense God's comforting presence as they recover from the trauma, viewing these horrific evil assaults in light of eternity. Ask the Lord to ignite their hearts with great hope and faith as they look to Him in their time of dire need. While interceding for the perpetrators of these crimes, pray that their eyes be opened to the truth of the Gospel and their hearts receptive to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.