Total of 33 Killed in Kaduna State

Late in the night of April 15th, more than 200 gunmen entered the village of Runji in Kaduna State, Nigeria. By the time they withdrew from the area an hour later, 33 villagers had been killed, at least six others were left injured, and more than 40 houses had been torched. Almost half of those killed during the attack were children.

Government troops were able to intervene, killing some of the militants. Without their intervention, it is believed that the number of casualties could have been considerably higher. However, as the attackers left, they informed the surviving villagers that they would return.

According to a local Christian leader, this was the third attack on followers of Jesus in that particular area over the past week. During a mass funeral held on Monday, April 17th, Anglican Bishop Jacob Kwashi stated: "It has always been obvious and clear that the government is capable and able to stop this evil, be it the government of Kaduna State or the government of Nigeria. They're capable, they're able to stop this evil; but the truth is, Are they ready and willing to stop this evil?"

Militant attacks in Nigeria continue to spread relentlessly. According to a separate report, more than 130 Christians were killed in the states of Borno and Benue during the first week of April alone. While the violence has ethnic, political and economic elements, the attacks by various militant Islamic groups are especially concentrated around predominantly Christian areas, often specifically targeting churches and Christian villagers because of their faith. To learn more about the extreme challenges facing our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ, and/or to review previously posted reports addressing these concerns, go to our country report.

Prayerfully remember the families, friends and neighbours of all those who were slain in these recently occurring attacks. As the surviving villagers must now face the risk of another potentially imminent invasion, pray that the Lord will meet their emotional and physical needs – providing comfort, peace and protection from future attacks. Additionally, pray that the officials of the country's state and national governments would increase their efforts to stop the violence and bring about greatly needed peace to this troubled West African nation.