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Nigeria

• Christians Slain After Worship

  

  Several Christians were gunned down as they made their way home from worship services on May 26th in the city of Jos. According to one witness, Enoch Monday and Istifanus Ismailaj were killed in one attack, while Michael Anthony Pam and four others were killed in a separate incident that same day. As the violence continued, more than 12 houses were burned and a number of Christians were wounded.

• Five Years After Chibok

  

  April 14th marked the fifth anniversary of an attack which shocked the world and devastated the lives of many in Nigeria. On that day, members of the Boko Haram militant group attacked a girls' school in Chibok, forcibly removing at least 276 young students, most of them Christians.

• Attacks Against Christians Persist

  

  The violence against Christian communities in Nigeria continues unabated, resulting in dozens of deaths this February and March. As authorities seek how to effectively deal with the attacks, a West African court has ruled that, at least in one instance during 2016, Nigeria failed in its duty to protect citizens.

• Election Brings Calls for Protection

  

  With the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari this past weekend, organizations are calling on him to provide needed protection for the nation's vulnerable Christian communities; protection which has often been perceived as lacking.

  The Boko Haram terrorist group and the Fulani militants have killed tens of thousands and driven millions from their homes (see this page for reports). There has been a significant increase in attacks by Fulani herdsmen within the past year, particularly against farmers in largely Christian areas of northern Nigeria. The effect has been to drive the Christians out, leading to suspicions of a coordinated effort. Anglican Archbishop Jos Ben Kwashi states, "The government must rise to its responsibility to mete out justice and save lives."

• One Year of Captivity for Leah

  

  On February 19th, 2018, members of a Boko Haram faction entered the town of Dapchi and ordered 110 schoolgirls into trucks. (An initial report on the abduction is available here.) Just over a year later, one of these girls remains in captivity because of her Christian faith.

  The original attack reflected the group's opposition to any formal education, particularly when granted to girls. A month after the attack, 104 of the students were released with strong warnings to stay away from school. Five had unfortunately died during the incident. However, one of the surviving girls, Leah Sharibu, was denied freedom from captivity.

• Tribal Leader Kidnapped and Executed

  

  Nigerians from various areas of the country are facing threats and attacks from members of the Boko Haram terrorist group. Last month, a market in Kaduna erupted into violence and threats, leading to clashes between Christian and Muslim youth. As a result, 55 people were killed and, subsequently, numerous arrests have been made.

• Aid Worker Killed; Leah "Slave for Life"

  

  "Islamic State West Africa Province" (ISWAP), the Boko Haram faction currently holding 15-year-old Leah Sharibu, has released a statement claiming to have executed a second Red Cross aid worker during the past month. In the statement, the group claimed that Hauwa Leman, along with Saifura Ahmed (who was killed in September), were apostates because they joined the Red Cross.

• Audio Recording from Leah

  

  As speculation abounds regarding the fate of Leah Sharibu, an audio recording of her voice, along with a still photo, has surfaced in which she calls for the government to intervene. Family members have confirmed that it is, in fact, her voice.

  In the recording, Leah says:

  "I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation. I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion. I am calling on the government, particularly, the president to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you." (The actual recording is available here.)

• Important Reminder

  

  On August 19th, it will be six months since 15-year-old Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by Nigeria's infamous Boko Haram rebel group, along with her classmates. While the other students were released, Leah was not for one simple reason: she refused to deny Christ. Fervently pray that Leah will be returned to her family soon! For more details, click here.

• Army Rescues Nearly a Thousand Captives
  
  Pray for the protection of Nigeria's most vulnerable.

  After a week-long battle, the Nigerian army has freed almost a thousand people from Boko Haram captivity. The operation led to the deaths of over 50 of the terrorists. According to the Nigerian military, the joint operation with the Cameroonian army remains ongoing.