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Nigeria

• Rescue of Hostages Captured by Boko Haram

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

  In September, Nigeria's army rescued at least a dozen kidnapped women and children who were being held captive by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. In a statement to the press, military spokesman Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman announced that the group was rescued as the army cleared Boko Haram camps in northeastern Borno state. While preparing today's alert, we also learned that on October 27th the troops conducted another successful operation, this time rescuing more than 300 additional captives. Although the identity of those who were rescued this week is unknown, it's possible that some of the Christian Chibok schoolgirls may be among them. For a report on the abduction of the schoolgirls, click here.

  Nigeria's home-grown Islamic extremist group has alarmingly used dozens of girls and women for recent suicide bombings within the country and neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger, raising fears that the kidnapped victims were forced to comply in this manner with the terrorists' agenda. More about the bombings can be found at this page.

  Over a thousand people have been killed since President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in March with a pledge to deal with the militants, whose six-year uprising has killed approximately 20,000 people in total. At least two million citizens have been driven from their homes, some crossing borders in desperate search of safe refuge.

  Earlier this year, troops from Chad and Nigeria drove the extremists out of some 25 towns held for months in an area that Boko Haram had declared an Islamic caliphate, aligned with the Islamic State group in the Middle East. The insurgents have since periodically returned to carry out hit-and-run attacks and suicide bombings. Informative video clips, as well as previously posted prayer alert reports, are accessible at the Nigeria Country Report.

  Praise God for the successful rescues of numerous Nigerians formerly held hostage by Boko Haram. Ask Him to now minister miraculous physical, emotional and spiritual healing to each one of them. Also pray for President Buhari and all those who are attempting to gain victory over Boko Haram so that many others can be safely rescued from captivity. Additionally, ask the Lord to strengthen and minister to the remaining hostages and their distraught families. May His perfect peace and strength continue to supernaturally sustain them.

• Increased Violence Against Christians

  Two Christian brothers, Ushahemba and Sughter Kumashenge, were ambushed and killed by Fulani militants on Saturday, August 22nd. The incident occurred on their farm in Taraba state, lending to concerns that militants in Nigeria's middle belt -- consisting of Kaduna, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states -- are joining forces with jihadists for the specific purpose of driving out Christians.

  Over the summer, the violent attacks had intensified throughout northern Nigeria and its neighbouring country of Cameroon, causing some Christians in affected areas to refrain from attending church. On Saturday, July 25th, a 12-year-old girl detonated a suicide bomb within a crowded area in Maroua, northern Cameroon, killing 20 people and injuring 79 others. The following Friday, July 31st, six people died and eleven were injured in a massive bomb explosion at a market in Maiduguri, Nigeria -- the traditional heartland of the Nigerian violence.

  Churches in Cameroon are presently struggling to contain the influx of approximately 60,000 Nigerian refugees and thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs). "The level of attendance has also fallen in various churches," explains Rev. Samuel Heteck, President of the Protestant Churches' Council in Northern Cameroon. "We have observed a lack of concentration among some worshippers during recent services as their ears remain attentive to any movement outside."

  Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited Cameroon at the end of July in order to bolster collaborative efforts against the notorious Boko Haram terrorist group. Fortunately, the Nigerian military reported on August 2nd that they had rescued 178 people, including 101 children, all of whom had been taken captive by Boko Haram in the Nigerian state of Borno. To learn more about persecution in Nigeria, click here.

  In the aftermath of recent attacks, we ask the Lord to minister healing to all who were injured and provide comfort to those who are now mourning the loss of loved ones. May He also calm the violence in these affected regions and alleviate mounting fears. As religious and political leaders make difficult decisions in their efforts to resolve the country's crisis, pray for God to grant them wisdom and clear direction so that all those whom they govern may be able to live "peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2).

• Family Faces Second Violent Attack for their Faith

  Habila, who survived after being shot in 2012, tragically lost family members in a recent bomb attack.

  The notorious rebel group, Boko Haram, is believed to have been responsible for a suicide bomb attack against a church on July 5th. Among the five casualties are Tabita Adamu and two of her eight children, as well as the church's pastor and an elder. In 2012, Tabita's brother Habila endured a gunshot to the face after being confronted by members of Boko Haram. Habila, whom VOM has since supported, gained international attention in 2013 after testifying before members of the U.S. House of Representatives on the threat of Boko Haram. In a private VOM interview, Habila recalls the details of the horrific event. To view a seven-minute videotaped report featuring his testimony, please click here.

  On November 28th of 2012, four armed men marched toward Habila's house and demanded that he, his wife, and their six-year-old child step outside. When one of the men threatened Habila, asking if he was willing to die for his faith, the uncompromising believer held true to his convictions. Habila was promptly shot in the nose, fell to the ground, and began to bleed profusely. Police on call, who had offered to help Habila, never showed up at the scene.

  Nine hours had passed before Habila was taken to the nearest hospital. Unable to tend to his complicated condition, the medical team transferred him to a different hospital, which later transferred him elsewhere for surgery. Due to the severity of damage done to his mouth, he was fed through a tube for the duration of his hospitalization, which spanned over six weeks. On the day of the scheduled operation, the surgeon discovered that he did not need to conduct the bone and skin grafts because the Lord had already begun healing these areas. Remarkably, since the shooting incident, Habila has forgiven the assailants.

  Thank the Lord for healing Habila's mouth, and for using it to speak out against the threat of Boko Haram and testify of the Gospel (Genesis 50:20). Pray that this persevering Christian spokesperson will now experience healing and comfort after tragically losing his sister Tabita and two of her children during the church bombing, along with fellow ministry workers. May Habila and the surviving victims of this recent attack find great strength and peace in the Lord. We echo Habila's heart's cry for the true victims of such acts of evil -- the perpetrators – interceding that the Lord will "let them know the truth" so they will not eternally perish but rather be spiritually saved and radically transformed.

• Boko Haram Steps Up Attacks

  A Nigerian woman had her arms seriously burned in an attack.

  Boko Haram, a notorious terrorist group that operates in northern Nigeria, has once again stepped up its vicious attacks on hundreds of innocent citizens. The group's rampage throughout several northeastern Nigerian towns and villages since May 29th has left more than 750 dead in an area with a notable Christian presence. After trying to gain access to Maiduguri, Borno State's largest city, a large contingent of Boko Haram was pushed back, resulting in significant losses.

  The increase in terrorist violence can be seen partly as Boko Haram's challenge to President Buhari's campaign statement that he would end the insurgency within three months. Now calling itself the "West African Province of the Islamic State," this terrorist group has also pledged allegiance to ISIS in March of 2015 -- responding to the call to "make Ramadan a month of disasters for the infidels."

  It appears that Boko Haram's strategy includes inciting fellow Muslims against Christians, for its members attacked multiple mosques on July 1st and 2nd. Then on July 5th, five gunmen stormed a mosque in Plateau State, shooting randomly before a suicide bomber struck. Later in the evening, another suicide bomber detonated a device in a crowded restaurant. That same day, six other people, including a pastor and a mother carrying her child, all died when a suicide bomber detonated a device at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Potiskum, Yobe State.

  Given northern Nigeria's history of religious crises, the attacks on Muslim and public sites may have been Boko Haram's attempt to reignite old hostilities. Our sources report that angry Muslim militants subsequently burned St. Michael's African Church, damaged vehicles, vandalized Christian businesses and attacked the Evangelical Church Winning All Good News building. "Boko Haram has illustrated its utter disregard for every religious creed, including the one it purports to be upholding, and for the sanctity of human life," concludes CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas. For VOM Canada's previously posted reports and video clips on the dire situation in northern Nigeria, go to the country report.

  Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods as a result of the multiple atrocities. Let's pray for God's peace and comfort not only to be upon the attacked Christians, but to all in Nigeria who have lost dear loved ones as a result of the recent tragedies. Pray that the country's believers will shine as lights -- compassionately reaching out to non-Christians and Muslims who are also suffering. As a result, may the love of Jesus and the message of salvation be revealed to many.

• Boko Haram Stages New Assault on Maiduguri

  Pray for Nigeria’s newly appointed leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. Photo: Chatham House via Wikimedia Commons

  Boko Haram has been attacking the major city of Maiduguri to re-establish their original base of operations, recognizing its strategic importance. The city's location provides an advantage which would allow the militant group to more easily spread throughout Nigeria, as well as infiltrate neighbouring countries. National leaders in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon are aware of this and have combined military forces to stop the group.

  In recent weeks, 46 civilians have been killed by the group's three failed attempts to infiltrate the city limits. President Muhammadu Buhari announced in his inauguration speech that the military headquarters was moving from the capital of Abuja to Maiduguri in the fight against Boko Haram. Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou stated that a multi-national force to fight Boko Haram will become operational in a couple of weeks. Troops from Niger, Chad and Cameroon have been helping Nigeria fight the militant group, which has staged attacks in all three neighbouring countries.

  More than 1.5 million Nigerians (many of whom are Christians) have been displaced by the nearly six-year Islamist uprising in Nigeria's northeast, which has already taken the lives of an estimated 13,000 people and caused tremendous anguish for countless more. For previously posted prayer alert and video reports on the dire situation in Nigeria, please go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Pray that the Lord will frustrate the evil plans of Boko Haram so they will fail in their continued attempts to perpetrate violence against Africa's innocent victims. May all those who have suffered at the hands of this militant group be spiritually, physically and emotionally healed, and thus enabled to overcome the trauma of the assaults. Intercede for the members of Boko Haram in hopes that many of them will come to know Christ in a personal and profound way. Also pray for Presidents Buhari and Issoufou, as well as all who are serving within these troubled countries, asking the Lord to grant them needed wisdom and protection as they implement strategies in their efforts to end the senseless violence and bloodshed.

• Believers Killed as Villages Raided

  Pray for the safety of Nigerian villages. Photo: Flickr / Melvin "Buddy" Baker

  On May 27th, suspected Fulani militants raided a number of Christian villages in central Nigeria. Sources report that the assailants attacked 20 villages in the Agatu local government area of Benue State, killing more than 30 people. Many others fled to displacement camps in neighbouring Kogi State. Meanwhile, militants also attacked several villages in Dorowa, Plateau State. The Nigerian military reportedly responded to the attack but made no search or arrests.

  Partners of VOMC's sister mission in the United Kingdom have stated that Fulani terror activities are on the rise in central Nigeria as Boko Haram attacks gradually build up around the north-eastern states.

  As Christians face increased attacks from Boko Haram and Fulani militants alike, pray that God's peace will reign in their hearts. May those in mourning from these latest assaults rest in the assurance that the Lord is ultimately in control and, therefore, He most surely will work all things together for good to those who love Him...and for His glory. In the meantime, let us also pray that the believers in Nigeria will be used by God to lovingly extend the Good News of Jesus to those currently walking in spiritual darkness.

  For more information on Nigeria's persecuted church, please visit this page.

• Pastor's Daughter Dies in Arson Attack

  A pastor's daughter has recently died, several people were injured, and a church building was completely torched during a vicious attack on a village in the Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State during the evening of April 1st.

  The daughter of Reverend Habila Garba suffocated to death following an arson attack on her home in Gidan Maso Village. Local Muslim youth had set fire to the house after failing to locate Yahaya Joshua, a Christian man who had briefly converted to Islam before returning to Christianity.

  The mob of militants had originally planned to kill Yahaya. Yet when they couldn't find him, they lit cornstalks inside the church and burned the building to the ground, ignoring the pleas of local believers. They then went on to attack the pastor's residence nearby. During the attack, the mob also physically assaulted local Christians with machetes, resulting in several injuries. Two of the victims, in particular, have sustained broken arms.

  As this ministering family now grieves the tragic loss of their precious loved one, pray that they will be greatly comforted in God's reassuring promises of eternal life through Christ's death and resurrection. Also pray for the full recovery of those who were injured in the assault. Ask that lasting peace will reign over this victimized community, halting any further plans of attack. Additionally, may the peaceful witness of the believers be used mightily to encourage many others to discover the truth about Jesus and, subsequently, turn to faith in Him.

  Please visit this page to learn more about the trials our Christian family endures in Nigeria.

• Kidnapped Missionary Released by Gunmen

  Phyllis Sortor FMCUSA via Morning Star News

  Phyllis Sortor, a 71-year-old missionary who was abducted by gunmen on February 23rd, was thankfully released from her captors on March 6th. The Christian woman was kidnapped from Hope Academy in Emi-Oworo village which is located within the central state of Kogi. Her main focus of ministry there was leadership development and the facilitation of a sponsorship program. She was also involved in establishing schools and instituting grazing projects to help alleviate the long-term conflicts between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

  Phyllis and her husband Jim previously ministered in Rwanda for nearly six years before moving to Nigeria in 2005. After Jim passed away in 2008, Phyllis remained in the African country where she continued to offer her gifts and talents to the Lord.

  A church leader shared that "Phyllis was aware there were risks associated with her ministry, but also knew there are very few places in the world without risks and dangers." In fact, Phyllis herself had recently proclaimed: "Heaven is for real! There is no guarantee in life; no safe place -- other than that place we find ourselves when our full faith and trust is in God!"

  Praise God that Phyllis has been released! May He grant her full healing as she now recovers from this arduous ordeal. Pray, too, that she will be given wisdom while endeavouring to discern His plans for her life going forward. Also ask that He richly bless the ministry efforts of this dear sister in Christ and her colleagues in Kogi State, using them to reach many with the Good News of Jesus.

• Dedicated Servant to the Poor Garners Eternal Reward

  Pastor Joshua Adah served in remote areas of Nigeria. Photo: Morning Star News

  A Christian father of two young children was slain on January 23rd in Taraba State. On the day of the attack, Pastor Joshua Adah was away visiting several villagers as part of an evangelistic outreach. While on his way back to the village of Bantaje, the church leader's vehicle broke down and he was brutally killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen and members of Boko Haram. Pastor Joshua is survived by his wife and their two children, ages six and eight.

  Pastor Joshua is being fondly remembered for his heart for the poor. His ministry brought education, medicine and clothing to thousands of impoverished people. "I don't know why God allowed Boko Haram to cut his life short," a ministry supporter shared of the faithful church leader. "Even when it became dangerous, he refused to (leave) but kept preaching Christ in villages and areas where many will not go."

  May our Lord of all compassion look with mercy on Pastor Joshua's grieving loved ones, sheltering each one under His wings of refuge (Psalm 91:4). In particular, pray that his wife and two young children will be surrounded and supported by their church family as they adapt to life without their beloved husband and father. May God also raise up new leaders to continue Pastor Joshua's vitally needed ministry work so that many thousands more will be shown His love and turn to faith in His Son Jesus.

  To learn more about the trials our Christian family in Nigeria faces, you can read our Country Report.

• Dozens of Believers Murdered in Recent Weeks

  The result of a previous Boko Haram car bombing in Jos, Nigeria. Diariocritico de Venezuela via Barnabas Fund

  At least 28 Christians were brutally murdered by militants during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's.

  On January 2nd, Fulani militants torched houses and killed 15 people in Ambe-Madaki village, Kaduna State. Ten others in the same area were murdered days earlier on December 27th. In Plateau State, Fulani gunmen killed three Christians in Kantoma village on New Year's Eve. One of the believers was gruesomely beheaded, creating a wave of panic. In Gombe city, Gombe State, a suicide bomb attack caused injuries to at least eight Christians who were guarding a New Year's Day prayer service. The explosion is thought to be the work of the Muslim militant group Boko Haram, in keeping with their declaration of an Islamic caliphate in northern Nigeria. Churches, which are often the target of Boko Haram bomb attacks, were thankfully spared over Christmas.

  "Christians in northern Nigeria face attack on two fronts: by Fulani militants who want their land, and Boko Haram who want an Islamic state," explains Paul Robinson, the Chief Executive Officer of Release International (VOMC's sister mission in the UK). He further notes the concern that Boko Haram may attempt to step up their attacks prior to the country's forthcoming elections in February.

  In the midst of ongoing chaos and carnage in Nigeria, pray that God will grant much needed peace and strength to the assaulted church there. In particular, may those now grieving the loss of loved ones due to these latest attacks be greatly comforted and given the ability to extend grace and forgiveness to the persecutors. Also pray that those recuperating from injuries will experience a full and swift recovery. In the coming weeks, may adequate security measures be taken to ensure safety for all citizens during the election, and may those elected work for greater stability in Nigeria.