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.
The bodies of three young Christian men were later found, providing evidence that they had been shot by the attackers. At the time of publishing this report, the condition and whereabouts of the fourth passenger remain unknown. Photos of the killings have been circulating on social media. Unsubstantiated reports indicate that the abductors had apparently contacted the parents of the victims in advance to announce their intentions, suggesting that this was a planned targeted attack.
Incidents of Christians being kidnapped and killed are common in Nigeria. Reverend Ibrahim Abako from the Christian Association of Nigeria in Yobe State recently expressed his sorrow over the recurring attacks: "[These incidents have] been happening frequently. We call on the government, especially the military and police, to take proactive measures by protecting the citizens regardless of their religious background." For more information addressing the violence perpetrated against our Christian family in Nigeria, go to our country report.
Pray for the families and friends of the slain young men as they grieve over the tragic loss of these precious lives. May all those who are mourning tangibly sense the Lord's comforting presence with them and the assurance that their loved ones are eternally saved. Pray also that the abducted believer who is still missing will be divinely protected, released soon from captivity, and safety reunited with their desperately concerned family members. Continue to pray for the rescue of the many other innocent Nigerians who have been kidnapped by Islamic militants and remain missing today. As the abducted victims expectantly await their deliverance from captivity, may they be protected, strengthened and wonderfully encouraged by the Lord.
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