Plateau State Attacks Include Fatal Shooting

Children in Nigeria
Pray for the safety of the country's innocent citizens who are vulnerable to militant attacks.

On October 24th, a Christian woman and her two children were killed in north-central Nigeria. Armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen ambushed and shot to death Rebecca Daniel Choji, her 16-year-old daughter Suzanna, and 29-year-old son Joel. Prior to the shooting, which took place in Jol village (located within the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State), the attacked family members had been on their way to a health facility in Vwak village.

Suzanna and Joel died immediately, while their mother succumbed to gunshot wounds two days later at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos. At the time of the attack, the three victims were being driven to the health facility by a relative, Dachung Yakubu, who had also been wounded by the gunfire. Upon receiving this news report, Dachung was in critical condition at the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

This incident was part of a series of attacks committed by militant Fulani herdsmen who were targeting Christian communities in various areas of the Plateau State. A week prior, similar assaults were carried out in the villages around Miango town of Plateau State's Bassa Local Government Area. (A report on the release of a pastor, who had been abducted from the same Nigerian state a few months ago, may be found here.)

Ask the Lord to provide greatly needed comfort and strength to the surviving loved ones of this tragically slain family. Also intercede for the many other Christians who have been victimized by the ruthless attacks of militants in the Plateau State, praying that they will not grow weary in well-doing nor lose hope. May God mightily intervene through the power of His Holy Spirit, manifesting His overcoming strength and love in the midst of such hatred and evil -- for the two-fold purpose of 1) ministering to His suffering people, and 2) transforming the hearts of the militants who've been inciting violence in these vulnerable Nigerian communities.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    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.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    230,842,743 (2023 est.)

    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 News

  • Christians Slain After Being Forced from Bus
    Three Christian men are kneeling, while executioners holding guns are standing behind them.
    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.

  • Deadly Market Attack
    Bandits in Nigeria are carrying various types of weaponry. All have their faces covered.
    Bandits in Nigeria
    Photo: Voice of America

    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.

  • Hundreds Rescued from Boko Haram Captivity
    Masked Boko Haram fighters are holding various types of weaponry.
    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.