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Nigeria

• Concerns Surround Proposed Legislation

  
  President Buhari
  Photo: Flickr / U.S. Department of State

  A year after the official swearing in of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government of Nigeria is considering two bills that, if passed, will shift Africa's most populous country further toward Islam.

  One bill proposes to establish grazing reserves in every state of Nigeria for the nomadic Fulani people, who are widely known to have been infiltrated by the militant organization Boko Haram. If passed, this bill could serve to facilitate extremist Muslim expansion into the south where most of Nigeria's Christian population lives.

  Another bill, which allows for expanded jurisdiction of Sharia courts in Nigeria, quietly passed a second reading without debate on May 19th. However, both Christian and Muslim students launched a peaceful protest in the nation's capital city of Abuja on June 7th, condemning the bill for being dangerously divisive and a blatant attempt to Islamize Nigeria.

  President Buhari, a former military dictator, ran unsuccessfully on pro-Sharia platforms in presidential polls during the years 2003, 2007 and 2011. One reason he won the presidency in March of 2015 was because he dropped his pro-Sharia stance. To learn more about the country of Nigeria, click here.

  Thank you for praying for Nigeria's governmental representatives that they would have the courage to step up and vote against this proposed new legislation. May they uphold human rights, including freedom of religion. Pray that the country's Christian leaders will serve as bold witnesses, conveying the truth and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that many others will have the opportunity to experience His life-transforming power. This includes the Fulani herdsmen in need of His conviction and strength to break free of the terror infiltrated by Boko Haram. For only with the Lord's help will there be an end to such violence and injustice in Nigeria, and the needful reign of true peace throughout the land.

• Fatal Attack Over Facebook Post

  A 24-year-old Christian named Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel was killed by a mob of militants in Nigeria after being accused of posting a blasphemous statement about the prophet Mohammed on Facebook. The killing was part of a larger attack on Pandogari town in which three other people also tragically lost their lives and a church was burned down.

  According to a statement released by army spokesman N.C. Agwu, a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps was among those who lost their lives after rioters blocked the Lagos-Kaduna Road. "Some arrests have been made in connection with the violence and the suspects (were) handed over to the police," he reports.

  A Baptist pastor in nearby Kagara town further explains that Facebook exchanges between two young people in Pandogari triggered the attacks: "The incident began with Facebook chats between a Muslim and a Christian.... The Muslim youth mobilized other Muslims in the town on claims that the Christian youth had blasphemed the prophet Mohammed." The pastor adds that the militant group then burned down the Fellowship Baptist Church in Pandogari town.

  To learn more about the country of Nigeria, and to review previous reports and video documentaries, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Please pray for the people of Nigeria, and especially those who have been affected by the recent killings in Pandogari town. May the group members responsible for the violence be brought to justice. Intercede on behalf of Nigerians in the community who do not yet know Christ, nor understand the impact of their negative actions, that they may seek the truth of the Gospel and grow in God's wisdom and grace. Pray for an end to the scourge of persecution which can only take place when Christians and Muslims fully extend the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in order to reside peaceably and harmoniously.

• Rescue of Missing Schoolgirls Raises Hope

  
  Some of the kidnapped Chibok girls.

  Nigeria's army has rescued a second Chibok student, two days after rescuing 19-year-old Amina Ali Nkeki, the first of the 219 kidnapped girls to be found alive in a forest close to the Cameroon border. "We are glad to state that among those rescued is a girl believed to be one of the Chibok Government Secondary Schoolgirls that were abducted on April 14, 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists," announced Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, the army's Acting Director of Public Relations, shortly after Amina was located.

  BBC further reported that Amina, who had a child with her, was found during a routine daily patrol by a pro-government vigilantes group set up to help fight Boko Haram. At the time, it was noted that all the other missing girls were still in the forest, except the six who had died. The vigilante leader explained that when Amina was reunited with her mother "she gave her the biggest hug ever, as if they were going to roll on the ground." He added that Amina told her mother: "I never thought I would ever see you again.... God has made it possible for us to see each other...."

  The second Chibok student, Serah Luka, who is believed to be the daughter of a pastor, has been receiving medical attention at a health facility in Borno state since her rescue. Also rescued during the operation were close to 97 other women and children who were being held captive by Boko Haram in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno. Recent military operations by Nigerian forces have led to territorial gains and paved the way for reconstruction efforts. More information on persecution in Nigeria, including online video reports, can be found at our Nigeria Country Report.

  We thank God for your faithful prayers over the years on behalf of these brave girls, and for their unwavering faith in His protection during their many months of suffering. Continue to pray for the release of the remaining schoolgirls from captivity and that, as they await deliverance from their present situation, their trust will remain steadfastly in Him. May each of them fully recover from their ordeal so they can experience renewed wholeness and freedom.

• Rebel Fighters Sign Up for Rehabilitation Program

  The Nigerian military has made significant gains against the Boko Haram terrorist group in the past 18 months, raiding a number of the group's camps in Nigeria's vast Sambisa forest, and freeing at least a thousand women and children who were taken captive during other mass abductions.

  Yet, in none of the raids have any rescued prisoners or captured fighters been able to give convincing accounts of meeting or seeing the Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped on the night of April 14, 2014. The militant group's leader, Abubakr Shekau, had previously demanded the release of jailed comrades in exchange for the girls. But a deal along those lines -- brokered by the Red Cross -- fell through after Nigerian prison officials said that the commanders on a list given to them by Boko Haram were not in their custody.

  The terrorist group is now seeking a large ransom for the release of the remaining 219 schoolgirls. (Some of the girls have thankfully managed to safely escape captivity.) The sect is thought to have issued the demand during secret contacts with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari who has announced his willingness to negotiate for the girls' freedom. A previous report on the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls may be reviewed here.

  Another encouraging step has recently been made by the government. Nigeria's Defence Headquarters launched "Operation Safe Corridor," a program to rehabilitate repentant Boko Haram fighters through camps where they will be offered jobs and training in return for undergoing biometric profiling. The military said some 800 fighters have already signed up for the program, and that other similar camps will be available across northeast Nigeria in ensuing months.

  While we can be so very grateful for the wonderful gains made thus far, please pray for the success of the rehabilitation program. May many more Boko Haram members firmly resolve to leave their former deeds of evil behind them, and instead reach for the greater plans God has in store for their future. Ask the Lord to continue ministering to the abducted victims being held against their will – resulting in their liberty from captivity, reunion with concerned family members, and the restoration of their lives. Uphold Nigeria's governmental leaders as they seek to bring an end to the violence, rehabilitate insurgents, and provide protection for the civilian population. May He bless them with wisdom, strength and discernment.

• Released Pastor Fails to Survive in Wilderness

  
  The late Rev. Iliya Anto
  Photo: Morning Star News

  On March 21st, assailants kidnapped three church leaders at gunpoint after storming the church prayer camp site in Kaduna, north-central Nigeria, where the clergymen were supervising preparations for an Easter church service. With the use of a mobile phone that was owned by one of the seized pastors, the kidnappers made an outgoing call in demand of ransom.

  Rev. Iliya Anto, thought to have been previously released by the kidnappers because of ill health, was found dead in the bush ten days after the abduction. Details of his death remain unclear. The other two pastors, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Dziggau and Rev. Yakubu Dzarma, were released on March 30th.

  According to published reports, it appears that well-armed cattle rustlers in Nigeria's Kaduna state, formerly reputed for incidences of rape and pillaging over the years, have recently turned to kidnapping. Police officials in northern Kaduna reportedly announced that they have set up a special task force to tackle the "change of tactics by the bandits."

  For other reports on persecution in Nigeria, go to our online country report.

  Please pray for the believers of this church in Kaduna as they mourn the loss of their dear pastor and friend, Rev. Iliya. Ask God to also minister to the pastor's grieving family, surrounding them with the comforting presence and peace of our Lord Jesus. May He guide the investigations and strategies of the police as they try to solve the mystery of Rev. Iliya's sudden passing and deal with the new tactics of the cattle rustlers. Ask that the officers of this case be granted wisdom as they navigate the best way to handle the assailants, in hopes of achieving resolution and a peaceful cease of conflict.

• Young Persecuted Teen Faces Upcoming Surgery

  
  Pray for Danjuma's upcoming surgery.

  Danjuma, a 13-year-old Christian boy who was severely injured during an attack on his village about a year ago, is scheduled for surgery to repair the damage that was done to his left eye. On January 28th, 2015, Islamic militants who are members of the Boko Haram terrorist group attacked Danjuma with a machete, cutting into the left side of his head and later gouging out his right eye.

  As a result of the inhumane physical assaults he experienced, Danjuma is blind and unable to distinguish any light in his remaining left eye. He navigates his surroundings with a walking stick, and will soon be attending a school for the blind. The young teen has also experienced other major health concerns as a result of the attack, and yet his bright and cheerful countenance -- despite the physical challenges he contends with -- is a great inspiration to all who know him.

  Our in-country ministry partners have requested prayer on behalf of Danjuma's upcoming eye surgery in hopes that the scheduled procedure will help him to regain his vision. Incidentally, Danjuma's testimony will be featured in the upcoming May 2016 issue of VOM Canada's monthly newsletter. If you are not already receiving this complementary publication, you may subscribe here.

  Praise God for Danjuma's great love for the Lord and his joyful buoyant spirit, although he and his family have suffered so greatly. Pray that this young man will be further strengthened in his resolve to live wholeheartedly for Jesus, serving as a vibrant testimony to those of his village and beyond.... As the surgery approaches, may he experience the peace "that surpasses all understanding," resting in the assurance that God can be trusted to work out His very best plan with the outcome. May the future be bright and full of many wonderful opportunities for Danjuma who is grateful for VOM's provision of medical assistance and quality education.

• Christian Farmers Massacred

  Fulani herdsmen have admittedly slain hundreds of Christian farmers in Benue state, central Nigeria. The heavily armed herdsmen attacked about 300 farmers between February 22nd and 29th in the Agatu local government area of this mainly Christian state, and at least eight others have been killed on March 8th in the Logo area.

  As a result of the attacks, five villages were "utterly destroyed" and numerous homes looted. An estimated 7,000 people have been displaced and forced to seek refuge in camps. Government officials state that the herdsmen have begun clearing the areas voluntarily but locals have noticed that the attackers and their cattle are still occupying villages in Agatu.

  Herdsmen leaders are justifying their murderous actions, claiming that they were committed in retaliation for the thousands of cows that were reportedly killed by local villagers – although there is no evidence backing their accusation. A fact-finding team, which included a human rights lawyer, suspects that the violence was religiously motivated. It was further noted that the churches and Christian homes in these particular areas had been specifically targeted while the mosques were left untouched.

  Information on another attack committed by Fulani herdsmen earlier this year is available here.

  May all in Nigeria who have experienced loss and displacement as a result of this recent crisis be especially comforted by the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His own life so that they could have abundant life in Him (John 10:10-11). Pray that He will lovingly bind up the brokenhearted, heal the afflicted, and bring provision to those in need. Uphold the country's governing leaders, requesting that they be granted the wisdom, courage and strength to discern and do His will while tackling the extremism perpetrated by the militants. Also pray that the Lord of the spiritual battle will dismantle and disarm the enemy's power so that the bloodshed of His people would cease. We cry out for safe pastures on behalf of Nigeria's Christians that they may live, work and worship in peace.

• Boko Haram Firebombs Village

  
  A Nigerian village
  Photo: Flickr/Melvin "Buddy" Baker (cc)

  A survivor hidden in a tree couldn't escape the trauma he witnessed as heavily armed Boko Haram terrorists firebombed huts during their ruthless evening attack on Dalori village in northeastern Nigeria. Nor can he forget the screams of the other villagers -- including children -- who were among the many victims traumatized, wounded or killed by the January 30th attack.

  According to survivors and soldiers at the scene, scores of charred bodies with bullet wounds littered the streets of the village and a nearby camp housing more than 20,000 refugees. Officials now report that the number of fatalities has reached 86, with more than a hundred injured. The agenda of Nigeria's homegrown Islamic militant group includes enforcing a stricter adherence of Sharia law and ridding northern Nigeria of Christianity.

  An additional incident which took place at a nearby unprotected village, caused by the explosions of three suicide bombers, has only heightened concerns for residents of northern Nigeria's frequently targeted Christian communities. To learn more about the atrocities experienced by the followers of Christ in northern Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Please join us in praying for our traumatized Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria who have experienced such tremendous pain and loss as a result of Boko Haram's vicious attacks against their communities. May these believers strongly sense God's comforting presence as they recover from the trauma, viewing these horrific evil assaults in light of eternity. Ask the Lord to ignite their hearts with great hope and faith as they look to Him in their time of dire need. While interceding for the perpetrators of these crimes, pray that their eyes be opened to the truth of the Gospel and their hearts receptive to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

• Villagers Fatally Wounded by Gunmen

  
  Rose died trying to save
  her grandchildren.
  Photo: Morning Star News

  Last month, Fulani herdsmen attacked two homes in the predominantly Christian village of Hwak Kwata-Zawan, located near the city of Jos. The militants also raided a nearby compound consisting of Nigerians who had been initially displaced by violence elsewhere in the country's Plateau state. The total number of fatalities resulting from the raids has reached 15, leaving many more in the community grief-stricken and emotionally wounded.

  In one of the village homes, 57-year-old Rose Monday was killed while trying to protect her three young grandchildren from the gunmen. Two of the three children had unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. Their elder sister, five-year-old Anna, who miraculously survived, is receiving treatment in hospital for gunshot wounds. Rose's daughter (the children's aunt) added that their remaining relatives are consoled to know that one day they will all be reunited as a family with the Lord Jesus Christ.

  The other Christian home that was attacked belonged to Gyang Christopher Choji who managed to escape the raid uninjured. The 58-year-old believer explains that his family members had retired to their rooms when they suddenly heard gunshots at about 8:30 p.m. "When the shooting became intense, and we were under siege, I advised my family that we run out to save our lives," he further testifies. "I was able to escape, but five members of my family were brutally killed by these gunmen." The seven other victims that were killed during the raids were from the nearby compound housing.

  The gunmen had apparently visited the area earlier that day to survey the village while most of the residents were at church. The militants even had the audacity to ask local children for water while planning their vicious attacks. The resulting raids have left an entire village in a terrible state of shock and greatly traumatized. Church leaders say the attacks of the Fulani herdsmen on their communities constitute a war "by Islam to eliminate Christianity" in Nigeria. Additional reports and informative video documentaries are available at the Nigeria Country Report.

  In an area of Nigeria that has experienced so much chaos and pain, may the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit bring the surviving villagers and family members greatly needed peace, healing and hope -- along with the assurance that the martyred Christians so dear to them have merely been transported spiritually to their true home in heaven where they are now enjoying the glorious presence of our Lord Jesus in all fullness (2 Cor. 5:8; Luke 23:43). May this truth be especially real for little Anna, as she recovers not only from the physical wounds she sustained as a result of the attacks but, even more importantly, from the emotional and spiritual trauma of witnessing the horrific loss of her loving grandmother and young siblings. Also pray that the calloused hearts of the Fulani herdsmen be radically transformed by the power of the Living God, helping them to realize the seriousness of their crimes against His beloved people prior to that time of reckoning -- when they must stand face-to-face before Him on Judgement Day.

• Christians Suffering at the Hands of Boko Haram

  
  Former Nigerian president,
  Goodluck Jonathan (in hat),
  stands with newly sworn-in
  President Buhari during
  the inauguration.
  Photo: Flickr
  U.S. Department of State

  Within recent weeks, hard-liners from the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram have murdered nearly 100 people in attacks ranging from Maiduguri and its surrounding towns in Borno State, to Madagali in Adamawa State of northeast Nigeria. During its six-year history of military offensives, Boko Haram has murdered more than 15,000 people, primarily targeting Christians who have faced slaughter, forced conversion, kidnapping and rape.

  In April of 2014, the terrorist group abducted 276 young girls from a government school in Chibok. Some have escaped, but most remain in captivity. Nigeria's president, Muhammadu Buhari, announced that he is prepared to negotiate with Boko Haram to secure the release of the approximate 200 remaining schoolgirls. Unfortunately, intelligence had no report on the girls' whereabouts or their health. A previous report on the abduction of the schoolgirls is available here.

  President Buhari took office in May of last year with a promise to defeat the group, giving the military a deadline to end the six-year insurgency by the end of 2015. Since his inauguration, Boko Haram has killed nearly 2,000 people. Although the terrorists have been successfully driven out from most of the areas in northeastern Nigeria that were formerly under their control, they have continued to carry out suicide bombings and raids into the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger. While the military has managed to free hundreds of Boko Haram captives in recent months, the groups released didn't include any of the Chibok schoolgirls. To learn more about the rescue of the hostages, click here.

  Please continue to pray for the surviving victims in Nigeria who have been targeted and attacked by Boko Haram, as well as the loved ones of those who were tragically killed. May these grieving believers not despair in their sufferings but, instead, look to the Lord for strength, comfort, healing and hope. Ask Him to make a way for negotiations to take place between President Buhari and Boko Haram, resulting in the safe release of the remaining captured Chibok students. In the meantime, intercede for the protection of these young girls -- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually -- and that God's assurance will bring needed encouragement to their distraught families. Despite the dangers and threats faced by Christians in this country, may their faith remain strong and undaunted, serving as a vibrant testimony to others in need of the Lord's salvation, including the members of Boko Haram and their sympathizers.