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Nigeria

• Minor Provocation Incites Muslim Mob to Attack Church

  Property damaged at St. James Anglican Cathedral Photo: Morning Star News

  Several attendants of a church in Lafia, Nasarawa, were severely injured by a mob of Muslim militants in an attack that was prompted by an altercation over a miniscule amount of money. During the early evening of August 17th, while the choir was rehearsing, Rev. Isaac Onwusongaonye held a Bible study meeting with the elders of St. James Anglican Cathedral. At the time of the meeting, he was informed about a confrontation that took place at the church's water borehole. The confrontation led to a violent assault against the church building and those in it. Reportedly, a Muslim woman in the community had incited neighbouring militants to attack the church after engaging in a minor dispute with a young Christian man who runs the borehole...over the payment of 20 naira, which is equivalent to about one cent (CAD) in change.

• Multiple Bomb Explosions Target Nigeria's Christian Population

  Multiple explosions hit a highly populated area within the Christian district of Sabon Gari in Kano city at around 9:30 p.m. on July 29th. The military confirmed that 12 people have died at the scene of the blasts and a couple of others were wounded. However, a spokesperson for the local Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital has claimed that more than 20 fatalities took place as a result of the blast.

  This same area was previously attacked by the militant Islamic group, Boko Haram, with the intent of totally wiping out Christianity from the region. In May, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in some northeastern areas of the country. The government has since announced its dedication in cracking down on militant Islamists. It was announced by Nigerian authorities on July 30th that 42 suspected members of Boko Haram have been arrested so far. For an overview on the tremendous challenges Christians have been facing in Nigeria, please see this report.

  The Lord is clearly hearing our prayers on behalf of our dear fellow believers in Nigeria through the government's willingness to provide greater protection and diligently track down the militants who are causing much loss, upheaval and pain in the lives of so many innocent people. May He continue to give President Goodluck Jonathan and his political team wisdom as they handle the perpetrators and bring assistance to the wounded and bereaved. Also ask for God's peace, comfort and healing to be upon the surviving victims and their loved ones.

• Killing Spree Spurs Manhunt for Terrorists

  Pray for wisdom for Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan Photo: Flickr / GovernmentZA

  On Friday, June 7th, Boko Haram terrorists stormed into a neighbourhood in the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, killing at least 11 innocent people (including one child) with weapons that were hidden in a coffin, local residents testify.

  Since then, more than 60 alleged Boko Haram terrorists have been killed in the same city by local militiamen who are trying to rid the area of this violent Islamic group that has allegedly killed thousands of people, many of them Christians, since their vicious campaign began in 2009. (For more about the situation, click here.) A military spokesperson explained that the troops responded the following Saturday morning, raiding insurgent "hideouts" in the targeted neighbourhoods.

  A former director of the Ministry of Information, who asked for anonymity, told Nigeria's "Daily Post" that 300 youths had been selected as informants. Another media report further explained that "...the youth vigilante groups, who now act as whistle blowers and informants to the security operatives, go from street to street and house to house with machetes, iron bars and wooden batons in their bid to smoke out the remnants of the insurgents from their hiding places and, thereafter, handing them over to the military Joint Task Force in Borno, Operation Restore Order." Justifying their actions, the youths, whose ages range from 15 to 30 years, said they were left with no choice than to join the manhunt of the insurgents for bringing untold hardship to residents of the town, thus putting their own future in jeopardy.

  Pray that God's peace and love will fill the hearts of all Nigeria's citizens so they will live in harmony with one another. While justice does need to prevail...halting the destructive actions of terrorists who have caused the painful loss of many innocent lives, may it be done with great wisdom and in a manner that is pleasing to Him. According to His Word, true change takes place in the heart through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. May this indeed be the case for all who are caught up in the crossfire between the forces of good and evil.
• Suspected Extremists Kill Christian Leader

  Rev. Faye Pama often assisted with the distribution of mission relief packages. Photo: VOM Ministry Partner

  Gunmen believed to be members of the deadly Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram, killed Rev. Faye Pama, secretary of the Borno state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). They reportedly followed the long-time Christian leader from his church building (where he was holding an evening Bible study) to his house in the Government Reservation Area of Maiduguri. The assailants dragged the pastor from his home and shot him outside, despite the desperate pleas of his daughter to spare his life. Rev. Pama was the father of three children.

  The shooting occurred on May 14th, within an hour of Christian President Goodluck Jonathan declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. President Jonathan's declaration comes after April's gun battle in Baga (Borno state) between the military and Boko Haram which took more than 100 civilian lives. The militant group has reportedly killed thousands of people since 2009. For more information on this critical situation, click here.

  As senior pastor of Rhema Assembly, Rev. Pama often spoke out against persecution of Christians in Borno state, the epicentre of Boko Haram attacks in north-eastern Nigeria. He had been involved in ministry leadership for more than 26 years. In a 2007 interview, the dedicated church leader had announced that he would not leave Borno state in spite of the dangerous risks he faced. Rev. Pama believed that only by showing love to Muslims could they be won to Christ "and not through fighting."

  Please uphold Rev. Pama's devastated wife and three children, his ministry associates and congregation, and all who knew him through his very active role in community service. May God's comforting presence bring solace to their grieving hearts and an extra measure of strength as they cope with the aftermath of the tragedy. Ask the Lord to protect other Christian workers who are still ministering in this dangerous zone. Pray, too, for members of the Boko Haram who clearly need to experience God's transforming love and abiding peace in their own lives.

• Incidences of Extreme Violence Against Christians

  Injuries from a previous attack

  Further incidences of targeted violence have taken place against Christians in the northern Nigerian state of Borno. On April 20th, gunmen pulled over a bus near Maiduguri, demanding the passengers aboard to declare their faith. The gunmen then proceeded to kill six people who had confessed they were Christians.

  It was also reported that militants have recently embarked upon an "Islamization campaign" in Gwoza (also located in Borno state). In this situation, residents were threatened by gunmen who were going from door to door, demanding that the family members within each household profess allegiance to Islam at gunpoint.

  On April 19th, just prior to these violent acts of persecution, intensive warfare was raging in the far north of Borno between the military and the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. At least 185 people have died and up to 2,000 homes were destroyed due to this violent conflict which took place in the remote town of Baga (near the Chad border). The aim of Boko Haram is to create an Islamic state across northern Nigeria. For an overview of the country's situation, previous prayer alerts, and on-location video clips, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Pray for God's peace and healing upon all the traumatized victims of these violent attacks, and for His comforting presence to be with those experiencing loss. May each of these surviving victims draw near to Him, knowing that He is their 'mighty rock and refuge' in times of trouble (Psalm 62:7). Also ask that He will bless the efforts of the Christian workers commissioned by Him to serve tirelessly in communities affected by the violence, sustaining and strengthening these faithful servants as they seek to bring His hope and restoration.

• Tragic Loss Takes Place Due to Recent Bombings

  Damages from a previous bombing in Nigeria

  At least twenty people were killed on March 18th by a series of bombings targeting buses in a predominantly Christian neighbourhood of Nigeria's northern city of Kano. A rescue official on the scene reported: "I saw three buses on fire. One of them was fully loaded with passengers waiting to leave the station at the time of the blasts." While officials suspect the series of explosions were likely initiated by suicide bombers, investigators are still collecting evidence to confirm that theory.

  As the bombings took place in a predominantly Christian area of Kano, officials suspect that Christians were most likely being targeted by the attacks. Sadly, too many innocent victims in northern Nigeria have either been killed or injured by Boko Haram's heinous acts of violence. The official death toll is expected to rise as security officials continue to examine the scene of the most recent bombing. For other reports on Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Pray that these believers in Nigeria will find refuge in the Lord and not be overcome by fear (Psalm 46). May they follow Christ's example in both their reaction to this unwarranted violence and their attitude toward the perpetrators (1 Peter 2:21-23). Also pray that the Lord's comforting presence and promised 'peace that surpasses all understanding' be experienced by the families of the victims.

• Most Dangerous Country for Residing Christians

  Living Faith Church Damaturu, Nigeria, destroyed by Boko Haram, 11 October 2011 Photo: World Watch Monitor

  According to the new 2013 edition of the World Watch List, produced by Open Doors, Nigeria is considered the most dangerous country for a Christian to live. The researchers report, "Between November 2011 and October 2012, we recorded 1,201 killings of Christians worldwide of which 791 happened in Nigeria." Since 2009, the attacks of Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group, have claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people. The majority of the attacks were made against churches -- spanning from the capital Abuja, across mid-to-northern Nigeria, and through to Sharia-law northern states.

  In the militant group's ruthless attempts to overthrow the government for the purpose of creating an Islamic state, the resulting havoc and destruction has taken its toll in what is known as Africa's most populous country. And the aftermath of the tragedies affecting Nigeria's innocent victims can be described as excruciating. Deborah painfully recalls how her husband was shot dead in front of her, and how their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, were taken away by the perpetrators on April 25th, 2012. This distraught mother has not received any news of her girls since then. A few months after their abduction, her third child (a son) was shot and killed. To hear the testimonies of three other Nigerian widows who were caught in the midst of the country’s violence, visit our multimedia site.

  While many Christian families have been able to flee from these volatile areas, a small minority of remaining residents are now living in constant fear of further unexpected attacks. In an effort to provide some protection, the government has deployed a special army-police unit. However, it's reported that the security is still fragile in this part of the world. To better understand the plight of believers in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Please continue to pray for the surviving victims of the attacks, as well as those who have tragically lost loved ones. May our Heavenly Father assure them of His comforting presence and tremendous love, while also providing them a safe place in which they can heal and be restored. Ask that He give the government officials (including Nigeria's Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan) wisdom and support, both nationally and internationally, as they raise up a standard against the tide of evil seeking to overcome them. In fact, pray that God will somehow capture the attention of the members of Boko Haram, helping them to realize the seriousness of their actions against His innocent people and leading them to sincere repentance and spiritual transformation.

• More Unexpected Attacks During Militant Rampages

  Damages from a previous church attack.

  More vicious attacks have been made against the peaceful inhabitants of two Christian villages. During the early hours of February 22nd, ten family members were tragically hacked to death and two others sustained gunshot wounds after an unexpected attack took place in Kogwom Village (Vom District in Jos South, Plateau State). The grieving family had gathered together that morning to conduct the funeral of a grandmother when the unfortunate tragedy took place.

  The second incident happened on February 23rd at about 10 p.m., this time in Aduwan Gida Village (located in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna). Similarly, it occurred when villagers had gathered to mourn the loss of an elderly member of the community. After gunmen fired indiscriminately for about ten minutes, a total of six people were killed (including a nursing mother and her six-month-old baby) and many others injured. All who survived are receiving needed medical care at undisclosed locations. It is suspected by authorities that members of the notorious militant Muslim group, Boko Haram, are the perpetrators of the malicious attacks. Read more about the intense persecution facing Nigerian believers at our Nigeria Country Report.

  Pray for the comforting presence of Jesus to be with these dear villagers as they mourn the sudden loss of their beloved family and community members, while dealing with the resulting shock and senselessness of these crimes. May they experience the blessed hope of eternity, where they will one day be reunited with their loved ones – never to be parted ever again. In the meantime, ask that the wicked plans of the enemy against these vulnerable believers be thwarted and brought to nil, and that the hearts of the attackers will be touched by God's transforming love.

• Churches Attacked on Christmas Eve

  While the majority of Christians around the world were peacefully celebrating our Lord's birth on Christmas Eve, vicious attacks took place during two church services in northern Nigeria that have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 innocent people. This is the third year in a row that violent attacks have been launched against Christians in Nigeria at Christmas. For more information on the challenges facing Nigerian believers, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

  Gunmen opened fire at the Church of Christ in Nations located in a small village of Yobe state, killing a total of six people, including the pastor. The perpetrators also set the church on fire and left several congregants seriously injured. That same night, a deacon and five other Christians were killed at the First Baptist Church in the city of Maiduguri (Borno state). Although no one has claimed responsibility for this year's attacks, an Islamist terrorist group known as Boko Haram is widely suspected. Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan has issued a statement promising improved security for Christian communities.

  Please lift up those who have been greatly impacted by the attacks, asking God to overshadow them with His comforting presence and perfect peace. Also pray that He will powerfully minister healing to the injured and bereaved, and that all surviving Christians in northern Nigeria will receive an extra measure of His grace and strength to remain faithful in the midst of persecution. Thank the Lord for His promise to remain close to the brokenhearted and to save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). May He impart wisdom and courage to the country's authorities as they take necessary steps to end the violence caused by extremism.

• Update: Suicide Bomber Kills More Christians

  It is reported that suicide bombers killed 11 people and injured 30 more in the Kaduna state of northern Nigeria. (Since the initial report, we have been informed that the number of fatalities has increased to 15.) The bombs had detonated following a Sunday worship service on November 25th after two vehicles carrying ammunition were driven into the state's military barracks with the purpose of attacking the church.

  It is not clear who was responsible for the attack, but the BBC reports that the army suspects the Islamist militant group Boko Haram is responsible. This group is fighting to overthrow the government and impose an extreme form of Sharia (Islamic law).

  Prior to the attack, Nigeria's military offered a monetary reward (about $317,000 US) for assistance in finding suspected Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. Additional financial rewards were offered for helping to locate other suspected leaders of the group.

  At least 50 people were killed in bombings in Kaduna this past June and in the reprisals that followed. Last month, at least 15 people, mostly children and women, were killed and about 150 others were injured after a suicide bomber attacked a large Catholic church in the same state (for more about this, click here). According to the Human Right Watch, more than 2,800 people have died in fighting since Boko Haram's insurrection began in 2009.

  Please pray the victims' distraught families would sense God's comforting presence and strength as they process the trauma and grief of sudden loss. Ask that Boko Haram's leadership would indeed be captured and brought to justice, disabling their efforts to continue killing and intimidating Christians. Despite this violence, may our Christian brothers and sisters find the strength to model Christ-like behaviour by responding to their enemies in a God-honouring manner (Matthew 5:44).

  To learn more about persecution in Nigeria, please visit the Nigeria Country Report.