Ethiopia: More than 60 Christians killed in massacre, church official says

Source: Aciafrica.org

Mass Killing of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in Oromia

In late October, Ethiopia's Oromia region was shaken by a series of attacks that left more than sixty Orthodox Christians dead, many others injured, and numerous families displaced from their homes. The violence occurred in communities where armed attackers targeted villages largely inhabited by members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Church leaders reported that the attacks unfolded over several days. In addition to the loss of life, homes were burned, property was destroyed, and surviving residents were forced to flee in search of safety. Children, elderly persons, and entire families were among those affected. The tragedy has deepened fears among Christian communities already living amid ongoing insecurity in parts of Oromia.

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church responded with profound sorrow and strong condemnation. The bishops described the killings as brutal and unacceptable acts that violate the sanctity of human life and fundamental religious freedoms. They emphasized that no faith tradition can justify such violence and called upon all Ethiopians to reject hatred and bloodshed.

Church leaders also expressed concern that these attacks reflect a broader pattern of insecurity that has affected some Christian communities in the region. They warned that repeated incidents of violence, displacement, and intimidation have left many people living with uncertainty and fear. The bishops appealed to civil authorities to investigate the killings thoroughly, identify those responsible, and provide effective protection for vulnerable communities.

At the same time, Christian leaders urged believers not to respond with vengeance. Instead, they called the faithful to prayer, mourning, and solidarity with those who have suffered. Orthodox churches and monasteries were encouraged to remember the victims during worship services and to pray for grieving families, the wounded, and those who have been displaced from their homes.

The tragedy has also renewed calls for reconciliation and peace within Ethiopia. Religious leaders from different Christian traditions have emphasized the need for justice, dialogue, and mutual respect among the country's diverse ethnic and religious communities. Their message is that lasting peace will require not only accountability for acts of violence but also a commitment to healing divisions and protecting the dignity of every citizen.

As Christians around the world remember the victims, they are invited to:

pray for comfort for those who mourn, 

healing for the injured, 

protection for displaced families, 

wisdom for government leaders, 

and a future in which all Ethiopians may live in peace and practice their faith without fear.

Jordan, Ethiopia Massacres Underscore Urgency of IDOP Prayer for Persecuted Christians

Benin: Christian Teen Flees Voodoo Violence

Source: iCommitToPray
Oct. 8, 2026 | Benin

Benin is known as the
birthplace of voodoo.

A 17-year-old girl named Nogosa fled from her home on Sept. 13, 2026, after being severely beaten by her family for her faith in Christ. Nogosa had recently become a follower of Christ and was attending church services, angering family members who had dedicated her to become the wife of a voodoo priest. After the assault, they told Nogosa she must participate in upcoming voodoo initiation ceremonies. “These ceremonies often involve horrific assault and abuse,” said a front-line worker. Fearing for her life, Nogosa escaped to her pastor’s home, and now she and her pastor are asking for prayer in how to best help her. The front-line worker said the pastor and his family already face many pressures from area voodooists and the burdens of caring for their congregation.

Pray that Nogosa will remain faithful to Christ and be kept safe.

Pray for her to find a permanent safe place to live and for a way to earn income or for financial support.

Pray for her family that they will come to faith in Christ.

Pray for the pastor and his family, to be safe, and to be able to care for their congregation spiritually.

Benin is the birthplace of voodooism. Pray that many will flee from voodoism and find freedom in Christ.

JORDAN: Mass Shooting Attack at Funeral Service

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, Deutsche Welle, France 24, CBS News

Footage of shooters moving towards the church. Photo: Wikipedia

On October 23rd, nine people were killed and dozens more injured when gunmen opened fire during a Christian funeral service in Hamoud, a village located within the Karak governorate of Jordan. Video footage verifies that at least three assailants began shooting as they approached the church building. At the time of publishing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the widely condemned attack. Jordan's national political leader, King Abdullah II, promised that those responsible for committing these crimes will face the "harshest penalties."

During a subsequent raid by the Jordanian military on October 26th, three suspected perpetrators of the funeral service shooting were consequently arrested. All three suspects were wounded during the operation; one of them sustaining critical injuries. The assailants, identified as two brothers and a relative by marriage, were referred to by governing officials as "Islamic extremists."

That same night, Jordanian forces carried out retaliatory strikes in southern Syria, specifically targeting locations they claimed were linked to Islamic State terrorists. While the military reports that more than 20 militants were killed in the strikes, it acknowledges the loss of civilian lives as well. Tragically, three children were among the list of casualties.

The Karak region is home to a significant community of professing followers of Christ. Although Islam is the official religion of Jordan, the country has generally been considered a safe place for its Christian minority.
To learn more about this Southwest Asian nation, visit our country profile.

• Please uphold all those who have tragically lost loved ones in both recent attacks, praying that they will experience God's comfort, strength, peace and hope in the days ahead through the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit.

• Ask the Lord to also provide needed healing to the innocent civilians who were wounded during the attacks, restoring them both physically and emotionally as they recover from the traumatic incidents.

• May the Lord also minister to the terrorists who were responsible for instigating the attacks by softening their hearts, drawing them to repentance, and eternally changing the trajectory of their lives.

• Pray that the tensions resulting from these violent incidents will not escalate further and that God will ultimately bring about lasting peace and stability throughout the region.

CHINA: School Children and Educators Interrogated

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Schoolchildren in China. Photo: Pixabay

The ongoing crackdown on unregistered churches in Hunan Province has led China's Communist authorities to target schools by questioning and disciplining both students and their educators. Local Christians report that these expanded interrogations have taken place in primary and secondary schools, as well as universities.

At the Hunan Institute of Technology, one instructor has been suspended from her duties and placed on standby status. Another teacher, concerned over the political group's intense opposition to Christianity, was suspended after requesting that his membership with the Communist Party be withdrawn.

In several primary and secondary schools in Yueyang, children from Christian families were questioned by Communist Party officials. Some of the interrogations lasted for three to four hours, during which time the students were pressured to sign documents accusing the churches of religious "brainwashing." Even first-grade students were among the young children interrogated.

As a result, many Christian parents have become increasingly concerned about sending their children to school. However, homeschooling presents its own challenges, as it remains subject to significant government restrictions and scrutiny. These increased pressures follow a series of coordinated raids carried out in Yueyang on July 11th.
For more details about these incidents, see this report.

• Pray that these believers and their children will be protected from fear, and that their faith in Christ will continue to grow despite pressure from those in governing authority.

• As Christian parents throughout China consider the best course of action for their children's education, may they not only receive God's wisdom, guidance and discernment, but also His divine protection over their families.

• Prayerfully ask the Lord to encourage and provide for educators who have suffered the loss of employment because of their faithfulness to Christ, opening new doors of opportunity and strengthening them in their witness.

CUBA: Pastor Detained Following Cancelled Prayer Event

Source: VOMC
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Pastor Maikel Pupo Velázquez with his wife. Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Pastor Maikel Pupo Velázquez leads an unregistered church in Camagüey City. The Cuban church leader had also been instrumental in organizing a large prayer event that was scheduled to take place at the Cándido Gonzalez Morales Stadium on September 26th. However, police warned him to call off the Christian meeting, stating that he could face imprisonment if anyone gathered at the site.

In response to the warning, and out of concern for those planning to attend, the event was cancelled. However, Pastor Maikel wanted to ensure that any young people possibly arriving at the stadium, due to their unawareness of the cancellation, were duly informed. As he approached the venue to encourage possible attendees to disperse, state security officers arrested him and charged him with "disobedience."

Although he was previously detained in 2025 for delivering aid to the families of two political prisoners, Pastor Maikel has remained actively involved in ministry outreach by leading Cuban youth to faith in Christ.
Additional reports addressing the challenges encountered by Christians in Cuba are available at our country profile.

• Pray that Pastor Maikel will soon be released from detention and reunited with the concerned members of his family and church community.

• While upholding this faithful pastor's family, please specifically pray for the healing of his daughter who is experiencing various health challenges.

• In the meantime, may the Lord wonderfully sustain these Cuban believers, providing for their spiritual/practical needs and drawing them even closer to Himself relationally.

• As a result, may these believers be further strengthened and encouraged, seizing every opportunity to reflect Christ's love through their words and actions.

IDOP 2026: Bassam’s Story of Faith in the Arabian Peninsula | Voice of the Martyrs

 

PAKISTAN: Blasphemy Allegation Sparks Mob Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS, Pakistan Christian Post, UCA News

A village in Pakistan. Photo: Wikimedia / Adeel.Ch (CC)

An angered mob recently set fire to the home and medical clinic of a Pakistani Christian man the day after police arrested him on allegations that he had shared blasphemous content on social media. Kamran Gill, a father of three, operates a pharmacy and clinic in the village of Gharial Kalan, Punjab Province.

The targeted believer was arrested on October 8th for allegedly sharing a previously posted video (reportedly containing offensive material) that he received from another Facebook user. Due to the threat of possible violence following his arrest, Kamran's family and several other Christian residents were forced to flee the village. The next day, after Friday's Islamic prayers, a mob of enraged activists gathered outside his clinic and the family's adjoining residence. After breaking into the premises, frenzied members of the mob proceeded to damage the property and set fire to the building.

Although emergency personnel were able to extinguish the flames, those responsible for the attack fled the scene before they could be arrested. In the days that followed, police detained five suspects in connection with the incident. Prior to the apprehension of the suspected perpetrators, Kamran's family and neighbouring friends had thankfully found protection in a temporary shelter outside of their village community and were able to return to their homes the next day. Despite this, Kamran's wife, children, mother and three brothers continue to face uncertainty and concerns for their security.

Vigilante violence is common in cases involving allegations of blasphemy. Speeches by opposing Islamic leaders regularly call for retribution, and anger over such accusations is often directed not only at the accused but also towards their family members and other innocent Christians within the community.
For additional reports addressing the many challenges facing believers in this South Asian nation, go to our country profile.

• Pray that the truth surrounding the blasphemy allegations against Kamran and other accused believers in Pakistan will be brought to light, so that justice can prevail in each of their cases.

• In the process, may God's perfect peace and love for His beloved humankind take precedence in areas of the country where anger and hostility presently exist.

• Ask the Lord to minister in tangible ways to Kamran's threatened family – and others facing similar challenges – ensuring they receive His divine strength, protection and daily provisions.

• Pray that Pakistan's governing authorities and judicial officials will act courageously and impartially, providing effective advocacy and legal safeguards for all those who are at risk of injustice and life-threatening danger due to the country's blasphemy laws.

IRAN: Wife of Jailed Pastor Summoned to Lengthy Prison Term

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Middle East Concern

Lida Alexani Photo: Article18

On October 21st, 2025, five Iranian Christians were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Among those convicted was Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, who received a 16-year sentence for leading a house church; and his wife, Lida Alexani, who had been sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment.
(Review a previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert report on these Iranian believers' initial sentences.)

While Pastor Joseph and fellow believer Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh have both been imprisoned since February of 2025 (prior to the official October 2025 sentencing), Lida and the other two convicted women were freed on bail. However, on October 9th of this year – almost 12 months after her initial conviction – Lida was summoned to report to the officials of Evin Prison where she has been ordered to begin serving her sentence. The charges against her include "deviant proselytizing" and "gathering and collusion."

Added Note: Some of the details pertaining to the prison sentences of these Iranian Christians have varied over the past year without clear explanations. The information included in this week's "Persecution & Prayer Alert" report indicates the latest numbers available.

• Pray that Lida would experience a keen awareness of God's abiding presence with her throughout this difficult season, along with the assurance that He will protect and sustain her physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually as she begins serving her prison sentence.

• In the meantime, please pray for the safe release of all five imprisoned Iranian believers, asking the Lord to intervene on their behalf by touching the hearts and minds of the country's national leaders and those administering in other levels of governance.

• Overall, may the Holy Spirit continue moving powerfully throughout the nation of Iran, drawing many more people to faith in Christ while providing opportunities for believers to worship and serve Him freely without any restraint, risk of imprisonment, or threat of death.

PAKISTAN: Differing Court Verdicts for Christian Brothers

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Anglican Ink, CLAAS

Supreme Court of Pakistan building. Photo: Wikipedia / Usman.org (CC)

In 2018, two brothers were sentenced to death on allegations of blasphemy. The charges brought against these Christian men stemmed from website material that had been posted back in 2009. (The content in question was deemed offensive to Islam.) After fleeing the country, and seeking asylum elsewhere, the brothers returned in 2014 to Pakistan where they were subsequently arrested. (See further information about each of their cases.)

Although the convictions were later challenged, the Lahore High Court rejected the brothers' appeals in June of 2022. The case was then brought before Pakistan's Supreme Court. To the dismay of the accused brothers and their families – along with many others who have been rallying for the Christian men's acquittals – the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal that was presented on October 7th for Qaiser Ayub, thus upholding his initial death sentence. Qaiser presently remains imprisoned in Sahiwal Jail, separated from his devastated wife and three children. However, in the case of Qaiser's brother, Amoon, the court ruled to acquit him of all charges due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Throughout their lengthy legal ordeals, both brothers have been supported by the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS). While welcoming Amoon's acquittal, the organization describes the ruling against his brother as "deeply distressing." Plans are now underway to pursue every remaining legal avenue to save the accused man's life.

Commenting on Pakistan's blasphemy laws, Nasir Saeed of CLAAS-UK stated: "We have repeatedly witnessed how blasphemy allegations can be misused to settle personal disputes, intimidate vulnerable people, or target individuals because of their religious identity. An accusation alone can destroy a person's reputation, livelihood and family life, even before any evidence has been tested in court." Additional reports concerning the persecution of Christians in Pakistan are available at our country profile.

• While thanking God for Amoon's acquittal, please pray that Qaiser and his loved ones will be further strengthened, encouraged and protected as they continue to endure this prolonged ordeal – in hopes of obtaining increased prayer support and effective legal intervention.

• As representatives explore every remaining legal strategy, in order to secure Qaiser's release and reunification with his loved ones, may they receive God's sovereignly imparted wisdom, discernment and guidance.

• In a broader sense, prayerfully ask the Lord to bring about lasting changes in Pakistan's judicial system so that the country's blasphemy laws can no longer be misused against innocent people.

• Throughout the process, may God supernaturally sustain the persecuted members of our Christian family who are currently experiencing imprisonment or facing legal challenges because of such allegations, as they patiently await their hopeful vindication and freedom.

Jehovah | a song written by a persecuted Nigerian Christian

 

NIGERIA: Pastor Among Dozens Killed in Plateau State

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Morning Star News

Photo: Flickr / UN Development Programme (CC)

A pastor was killed, and his son has been wounded, while travelling to a church in Nigeria's Plateau State on Sunday, September 20th. This attack was one of many violent incidents throughout the state that have claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks.

According to available reports, Pastor Samuel Nandi and his son were ambushed while they were on their way to a church service in the town of Maraban Kantoma, which is located in the Barkin Ladi area. Along with this unprovoked attack, numerous other deadly incidents were reported throughout Plateau State, where the violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen appears to have intensified during the month of September.

In response to the increased unrest, the Plateau State government imposed a curfew on September 21st. The curfew, which runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., will remain in effect until further notice. Nigerian authorities hope the measure will enable security forces to restore stability and provide increased protection for residents, particularly within the three regions of the state most affected by the violence.

While numerous factors contribute to the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria – resulting in thousands of fatalities over the years – hostility towards Christianity remains a significant element of the atrocities carried out by Fulani herdsmen and others who are affiliated with militant Islamist groups.
To review previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports addressing the persecution of Christians in this West African nation, go to our country profile.

• Please prayerfully uphold Pastor Samuel's surviving family as they grieve their sudden loss, asking the Lord to provide them greatly needed comfort, strength and peace throughout this difficult time.

• Also pray for the healing of the slain pastor's injured son, who is not only recovering from the tragic loss of his father, but also from the resulting physical wounds and emotional trauma of the targeted attack.

• Ask the Lord to equip Nigeria's authorities and security forces with wisdom and perseverance as they work to restore peace and stability in the area.

• May those responsible for perpetrating such horrific attacks against innocent fellow Nigerians be convicted of their wrongdoings and brought to justice, in hopes that they will ultimately surrender their hearts to Christ and turn from their wicked ways.

• Continue to pray for Christians throughout Nigeria who live under the shadow of violence and uncertainty, asking that they be strengthened in their faith, encouraged by God's presence, and filled with hope as they look to Him each day.