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Nigeria

• 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.

• Government official arrested following church attacks

  Many churches have been attacked this year by the militant group Boko Haram.

  Nigerian police arrested a government official after gunmen killed 19 Christian worshippers and two soldiers in the town of Otite, Kogi State, on August 6. The police arrested Yahaya Karaku, Special Advisor to the governor of Kogi State, after he was suspected of involvement in an attack at Deeper Life Church. The pastor of the church was among the victims.

  The arrest of the government official is another indication of the possible infiltration of radical Muslims in the Nigerian government structure. In his speech at a Nigerian church in January, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, said that his government had been infiltrated by members of Boko Haram.

  Nigerian Christians have been coming under relentless attacks from members of Boko Haram, an Islamic militant group. This year alone, militants have killed dozens of Christians. The group fights to establish an Islamic state throughout Nigeria.

  Thank the Lord for this arrest; pray that He will expose the deeds of more perpetrators. Pray for Goodluck Jonathan and members of the Nigerian government, that the Lord will grant them wisdom and discernment. Pray for members of Boko Haram, that many will come to repentance through the work of the Holy Spirit.

  Go to the Nigeria Country Report for more on Nigeria's persecuted Christians.

• Christian family attacked

  Pray that violence against Christians in Nigera will cease. Photo: Compass Direct News

  Muslim extremists attempted to kill a pastor supported by VOM and his family earlier this month in Nigeria.

  At least seven gunmen entered Pastor Audu D. Gadzama's church on August 10, intending to kill the pastor, his wife and his three children. One gunman shot Pastor Audu's 24-year-old son, Thomas, in the leg.

  Pastor Audu ran outside when he heard the gunshot, and the gunmen fired at him as well but missed. The gunmen, assuming both their targets were dead after seeing the men fall to the ground, then entered the house to search for the church key.

  They forced Pastor Audu's wife and other two children to lie on the ground as they set fire to the house and church. The family was able to escape and hide in the bushes as the gunmen fired into the air while shouting, "Allahu Akbar!" The Christians remained in hiding through the night, and the next morning took Thomas to a hospital. The family is now living with another pastor in the area.

  Please pray for the safety of this family. Pray that this incident will not sow anxiety in their hearts, but that they will remain steadfast in their faith. Pray for wisdom for Pastor Audu and other church leaders in Nigeria. Pray that Nigerian Christians will be able to forgive and love their persecutors.

  For more information on persecution in Nigeria, visit the Nigeria Country Report.

• Muslim group demands Christian president to convert or resign

  President Goodluck Jonathan

  In an online video released last week, the militant Muslim group Boko Haram demanded that Nigeria's Christian president either convert to Islam, or resign. Boko Haram head Abubakar Shekau told President Goodluck Jonathan to "repent and forsake Christianity," otherwise Shekau's followers would continue their violent campaign, but presidential spokesman Reuben Abati dismissed the demand.

  As a Christian from Southern Nigeria, Jonathan's candidacy was already problematic since an unwritten agreement stipulated that candidates from the North and South would alternatively hold the presidency. The previous president, Yar'Adua, a Muslim northerner, had just succeeded a two-term Christian when his untimely death prematurely ended his term, causing many Islamists to want the next president to be Muslim again.

  Although Jonathan won the last election by a landslide, more than 800 people were killed and dozens of churches torched during three days of rioting after the election result was announced. Boko Haram has since threatened to cleanse northern Nigeria of its Christians by bombing their churches and attacking their congregations.

  Pray the Lord will protect President Goodluck Jonathan from harm. Pray that he will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute him and his people (Matthew 5:43-48). Pray the Lord will intervene and bring a stop to Boko Haram's plans.

  For more information on persecution in Nigeria, visit the Nigeria Country Report.

• Muslims attack villages in Plateau State

  Remains of a car used by suicide bombers in a February church attack Photo: Compass Direct News

  More than 10 villages outside the city in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, were attacked on July 7, leaving dozens of people dead. Hundreds of Fulani Muslims, many of them wearing military camouflage and bulletproof vests, invaded the villages in the early morning, killing at least 25 people. Several were hospitalized while over a hundred were displaced and sought shelter at churches. The majority of victims were women, children, and the elderly.

  A mass burial was organized for the following day. While those mourning proceeded to the site, they found the burned bodies of approximately 50 others in a torched church building. The victims had reportedly sought shelter at the church after fleeing their homes. During the funeral service, assailants attacked the crowd. Among those killed were two politicians. The total death toll is reported to be over 100 people. Following the attack, angry youths protested in the streets.

  Please pray the Lord will heal and restore those who have suffered as a result of these attacks. Pray that Fulani Muslims will know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of the Christians (Romans 12:14, 21). Pray for wisdom and guidance for Nigeria's Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan, and for all those who serve with him as leaders of this nation. Pray that Christians will not retaliate but will demonstrate Christ's love and peace.

  Go to the Nigeria Country Report for more on our persecuted brothers and sisters in Nigeria.