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Nigeria

• Kidnapped Pastor Released After Captivity

  
  Rev. Jen Tivkaa Moses after
  his release by kidnappers.
  Photo: Morningstar News

  Christian leaders have announced that a previously abducted pastor was freed on August 9th, five days after being kidnapped. Rev. Jen Tivkaa Moses had been seized on Friday, August 4th by young Fulani herdsmen while travelling along the highway from Jos to Abuja in Plateau state. Thankfully, he was brought safely back to Jos at about 1 o'clock in the morning the following Wednesday. While it is unclear whether a full ransom had been granted to the kidnappers, who demanded one million naira (approximately $3,400 CAD), a payment was made to secure his release.

• Release of More Chibok Schoolgirls

  
  Since the release of the 21 Chibok
  students last October (pictured above),
  82 more girls have recently been freed.
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Boko Haram released a video on May 12th claiming to show a few Chibok schoolgirls refusing to be part of the recent "swap deal" in which 82 of the girls had been rescued by the Nigerian government in exchange for five terrorist commanders.

  In the three-minute video, a girl dressed in a veil and holding a gun introduces herself as Maida Yakubu, one of 276 schoolgirls kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorist group in April 2014. During the taping, three other girls in veils sat behind her. When asked by a man in the background why she doesn't want to go back home to her parents, she replies: "The reason is that they live in the town of unbelief. We want them to accept Islam."

• Three Years of Agony for Chibok Parents

  
  Some of the parents of Chibok's kidnapped girls.
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  For the families of the Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped from their dormitories three years ago, grief and despair have been compounded by fear, as the perpetrators of their agony continue to terrorize their town and carry out further abductions with impunity. A previous report on the school kidnapping is available here.

  Since Boko Haram jihadists abducted 276 girls from their secondary school in the town of Chibok, in the northeastern state of Borno, 23 parents have died of heart disease while many continue to battle stress-related conditions. While 81 of the girls have since escaped or been rescued, it is believed that their captors -- who initially boasted that they would sell them as slaves -- have decided to hold on to their victims after realizing how valuable their high profile has made them. As a result, more than two-thirds of the girls are still missing.

  The release of 21 girls last October briefly gave hope to the Chibok families and other Christians across northeast Nigeria who have been terrorized by Boko Haram for almost eight years. However, the girls have been detained for questioning and security purposes since their release and allowed to see their parents only a handful of times. To review a report on the release of these girls from terrorist captivity, click here.

  Residents of Chibok are still fearful because Boko Haram has recently attacked nearby towns, and scores of families have been displaced to Mbalala, less than five kilometres from Chibok. There is now a heavy military presence in Chibok, and three of the town's 13 schools have only partially reopened. Parents are terrified of sending their children back to school in case Boko Haram strikes again, and church activities are carried out under heavy security.

  A report by UNICEF has recently indicated a sharp rise in the number of children forced to carry out suicide bomb attacks -- from 30 in 2016 for the entire year to 27 in just the first three months of 2017. The agency added that Boko Haram's abduction of children is "systematic" and "fuelling" its insurgency in the Lake Chad region. The kidnapped girls are typically forced into early marriage and sexual slavery.

  Ask the Lord to minister in special ways to the victimized children and their distraught families, and all in Nigeria who've experienced great pain and loss due to Boko Haram's acts of terrorism. May there be many more victims released from captivity and joyfully reunited with their long-suffering families. Pray that the country's governing officials will clearly sense God's leading as they work together with renewed strength and unity in their efforts to liberate the captives, secure communities, and bring the perpetrators to justice. In the midst of so much suffering, we trust that the Lord will fulfil His promise to somehow use what was intended for evil and turn it around for greater good (Genesis 50:20).

• Rampant Increase of Fatal Fulani Attacks

  
  Fulani herdsmen have attacked
  Nigerian Christians with impunity.
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Several fatal attacks have taken place this March in Guma, Agatu, Naka, and several other local government areas (LGAs) of Benue state. The death toll between March 10th and March 20th had risen to 60, according to Nigeria's police chief, who says he's deploying a special tactical force to deal with the continuing violence.

  The series of attacks began on March 10th in Mkgovur village, located on the outskirts of Buruku town. When a group of Hausa-Fulani herders were prevented from grazing their cattle on the farms of the indigenous Christian community, they returned armed with sophisticated weapons and proceeded to shoot and kill anyone in sight. By the time the villagers realized what was happening, about ten people had been killed and several others were missing. Surviving villagers had to flee to the neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area.

  After the attack in Mkgovur, another attack was carried out a couple days later in the village of Tombo-Mbalagh, Buruku LGA. This attack was directed mostly against an unarmed Christian population going about its normal business. About eight people were killed and three others were reported missing. Before the intervention of security services, another attack was carried out by the militant herdsmen in the early hours of March 14th. This attack took place at Wanune, headquarters of Tarka LGA. While the government struggles to find a solution to the problem, the killing has continued.

  Benue state is a Christian majority state, with limited settlements of Muslims within some urban centres of the different local government councils. However, it is fair to say that the attacks of the militants have been selective, targeting mostly Christian villages, communities and settlements.

  Added Note: Attacks by Fulani herdsmen have also affected Christians in Nigeria's Kaduna state, despite calls for peace and an increased army presence. On the morning of February 20th, the militants began setting fire to the Christians' homes, demanding that they renounce their faith. The gunmen killed 15 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 50 others. Please also pray for the Christians living in this village.

  Ask the Lord to personally contend with those who seek to harm and annihilate His people, bringing upon the 'workers of iniquity' a healthy reverential fear of their Creator so that they may humbly turn to Him, repent of their evil ways, do justly, and live honourably before Him (Isaiah 49:25; Proverbs 9:10). Pray that He will be especially close to the many vulnerable and suffering Christians in Nigeria -- loving and comforting them, providing their villages needed protection, and redeeming all that the enemy has sought to kill, steal and destroy. May they find the precious rest and hope that comes from Christ alone.

• Attack Survivor Serves God

  
  Nankpak Kumzwam

  Eight-year-old Nankpak Kumzwam watched his mother lie face down on the ground as a screaming Islamic militant ran towards them with a machete. Her cheek was already stained with dried blood from a gunshot wound, and she looked physically and emotionally exhausted. The family had slept on the ground the previous two nights while fleeing marauding rioters, and they just received the heartbreaking news that the rioters had killed Nankpak's father.

  When Nankpak regained consciousness after the machete attack, he instinctively knew his mother, sister and brother were now also dead. Bleeding from machete wounds and the gunshot wound he had suffered the day before, the child hiked through the bush to find help, eventually arriving at a friend's house.

  After receiving treatment, Nankpak moved in with an uncle until VOM workers helped enroll him at a boarding school located in a safe area. The ministry supports numerous persecuted believers in northern Nigeria by providing them medical care, food, living expenses, education, vocational training and spiritual encouragement.

  Nankpak, who has now completed high school, hopes to become a doctor so he can care for persecuted Christians. He is ready to serve wherever God calls him. "I don't really need to be afraid," Nankpak affirms. "I was the only person who was able to escape. I believe God has a reason."

  Nankpak thinks often of his family, and especially misses his mentoring father. "Many times he went from one place to another, speaking the Word of God," Nankpak recalls of his father's dedication to the Lord's work. "Whenever he was at home, we spent much time discussing the Word of God." The young man's father also taught his children to live peacefully among Muslims. "He always told us to love one another...and to share the Good News." Nankpak hopes those who hear his story will be mindful to pray for persecuted Christians.

• Fulani Herdsmen Accelerate Attacks

  
  The aftermath of a recent attack by Fulani herdsmen.
  World Watch Monitor

  On the evening of November 13th, Fulani herdsmen besieged and attacked five villages located within the Kauru Local Government Area in the predominantly Christian Kaduna State. Armed with guns, knives, machetes and explosives, the Muslim militants killed 45 civilians -- mostly women, children and elderly residents -- while wounding dozens more and displacing thousands. Numerous vehicles and over 120 houses (including eight house-churches) were torched.

  It is reported that attacks in northern Nigeria have accelerated in recent months, marked by greater sophistication in training and arms. Frustrated by the endless carnage, Christian leaders have reiterated the call for more security, including the establishment of a military base in Southern Kaduna.

  Referencing previous attacks in the area, Rev. Dauda Samson of the Evangelical Church Winning All states: "Two churches were destroyed at Angwan Ali and Sabon Gari villages...all 22 Christians killed by the herdsmen (in these attacks) were members of local church congregations in area villages."

  National chairman of the Kaninkon Development Association, Waje Goska Williams, concludes by saying, "We are under unprovoked and sustained attacks by people...working closely with the local Fulani (whom) we have lived with for many years."

  More information on the serious concerns facing believers in northern Nigeria, as well as previous reports and video documentaries, can be found at our Nigeria Country Report.

  Pray that the Lord will draw especially near to the persecuted Christians in Southern Kaduna -- including those who've been displaced -- as they struggle with tragic loss, fear, doubt and despair; and against the temptation to hate or retaliate against the perpetrators of the attacks. May they be encouraged to lift their heads and look to Jesus for their comfort, healing, justice and security. May His divine grace strengthen them in their time of tremendous need. Also pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai, asking God to help them in their endeavours to strengthen security in Christian regions and crack down on the illegal activities of the Fulani.

• 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.