Ten people were killed, several Christians seriously injured, and Christian churches, businesses and homes burned when Muslims went on a rampage in the Yelwa Tudu area in Bauchi state on December 11, according to a December 13 report from Compass Direct. The violence occurred after unidentified people pulled out two blocks from the foundation of the mosque under construction at the Baba Tanko Secondary School in Kagadama shortly after construction began on the building on December 2. The Muslim students believed that Christians had done the damage and threatened to attack local believers. Although the school principal and staff thought that they had diffused the tension, nine days later Muslim students stormed out of a classroom and converged at the mosque site chanting "Allahu Akbar." They then began to attack Christians with knives and daggers. The violence eventually escalated into a town-wide riot. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Assemblies of God Church and the Elim Church were set ablaze and sustained fire damage. At least a dozen Christianhomes were destroyed in the attack.
At last report, only one of those killed has been identified, a Christian known only by his surname, "Bogoro." The identities of the other nine have been kept secret by the government and their bodies were given a swift burial in a common grave.
Pray that the Lord will fill Christians with His peace and strength as they recover from this brutal attack. Ask God to comfort those who have lost loved ones. Pray that Christ will be exalted through this tragedy and that people in this area will continue to be drawn to Him (Phil. 1:20).
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.
VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.
Ethnicity (%) Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)
Religion (%) Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)
Leader President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)
Government type Federal presidential republic
Legal system Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Nigeria
May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.
Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. One estimate states that, on average, every two hours there is a Christian in Nigeria who dies. The ongoing brutality comes from numerous directions, and news reports only reflect a small portion of the violent incidents that take place – whether they involve fatalities, abductions or the destruction of properties. In many cases, multiple atrocities take place during a terrorist attack.
The three men who were killed by Boko Haram militants.
On June 5th, a bus was travelling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway when a group of armed men forced it to stop near the village of Kamuya, which is located on the border between the states of Yobe and Borno. The terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and then allowed the rest of the travellers to leave.
As Nigerians were celebrating their national Democracy Day on May 29th, gunmen opened fire on the Maro Junction Market which happens to be located within a predominantly Christian community of Kaduna State. Reports state that as many as 12 people were killed and 20 others injured.
Boko Haram terrorists have claimed the lives of multitudes in Nigeria.
On May 20th, the Nigerian military reported that 350 captives had been recovered from Boko Haram bases in the Sambisa Forest, a well-known enclave for the militant group in eastern Nigeria. Some of the captors were killed during the military operation. All of the rescued former hostages were taken to the Borno state government house where they will be cared for until they can safely return to their homes.
Population
