Source: VOMC
Source: Christian Solidarity International
In May 2022, rumours spread that Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu had blasphemed against the Islamic prophet Mohammed during a WhatsApp group chat. Mob violence ensued, resulting in the death of the young Christian woman. In the days that followed, many expressed their shock over the news, including Rhoda Ya'u Jatau, who shared a WhatsApp message condemning Deborah's death. On May 20th, Rhoda was arrested by security agents and accused of public disturbance, inciting contempt of religious creed, and cyberstalking. (For more information, go to this page). She has been held in custody since her arrest.
On February 6th of this current year, Rhoda attended a court hearing in which the testimony of one of her accusers was given. On February 14th, another hearing was held. The case has now been adjourned until March 6th. The family's pastor, Rev. Ishaku Dano, who attended the trial, expressed concerns over the Christian healthcare worker's physical condition. "When I saw her in court, she was looking battered and traumatized," he reports. "She manages to smile, apparently to keep her family from worrying, but you could see it in her eyes that she is dying slowly." Deeply concerned for Rhoda's safety, he asserted, "We are afraid they might be trying to kill her."
Please lift up our suffering Christian sister Rhoda before God's throne of grace, asking for the provision of angelic protection during her imprisonment, as well as greatly needed nourishment, care, comfort and hope.
May she also receive His divine intervention in the upcoming legal hearing, leading to her safe release from custody.
Mindful of God's instruction to intercede for one's enemies, pray that Rhoda's accusers will readily respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that they may turn from their wicked ways and acknowledge Him as Saviour and Lord.
In the midst of Nigeria's ongoing political and religious turmoil, may God's Spirit minister peace to the hearts and minds of our Nigerian family in Christ and convey the life-transforming message of the Gospel to those desperately in need of His eternal salvation.
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