Source: VOMC
Sources: Release International, Morning Star News, The Guardian, International Christian Concern
Recent attacks by militants in Nigeria have resulted in dozens of deaths, along with kidnappings and the destruction of homes. Many Christians were targeted in these repeated violent attacks, often the result of their perpetrators' strict adherence to militant Islamic ideology.
For more details on the suffering of Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.
The state of Benue has had more than 60 villagers slain in the past month. On April 1st, at least six Christians were killed in the village of Ikobi in Apa County. According to one resident, several homes were razed. That same evening, a worship service in Logo County was attacked. During the raid, militants killed a Christian man named Orolumunga Changogi, wounded five other worshippers, and kidnapped five church members, including Pastor Gwadue Kwaghtyo.
In Kaduna state during the previous month, 27 Christians were killed as a result of two separate attacks in Zangon Kataf County. On March 10th, the village of Ungwan Wakili was invaded. According to witnesses, the culprits were "Muslim Fulani herdsmen who came along with terrorists." Four days later, ten Christians were killed in the village of Langson, and dozens more were reportedly left injured.
A couple additional separate incidents took place in March involving the invasion of homes belonging to two different pastors in Kaduna. On March 10th, the residence of Pastor Dadi Babas was broken into during the middle of the night while the church leader was away for his brother's funeral. The assailants killed the pastor's son before kidnapping his wife and three other family members. Pastor Dadi's wife was released later that night because she was ill, but the other three family members remain missing. Then, on March 23rd, terrorists raided Buda 2 village near Kasuwan Magani. The attackers entered the home of another pastor, killing him and taking his wife captive.
Speaking of these recent attacks, Rev. Joseph Hayab, who serves as the chair for the Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, lamented: "Who will we cry to and who will we run to for help except God? Imagine that since the carnage of kidnapping of Christians started in Kaduna state, no arrests have been made."
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, in coordination with Crossroads Cares, has partnered with Christian Faith Ministries to build Mara's House, a refuge for young women in Nigeria who need shelter after facing persecution and terrorism.
For more about the construction of this dormitory building, along with information on how you can help our Nigerian sisters in Christ, see this video.
Please prayerfully lift up the grieving families of the many believers who were senselessly killed in these recent attacks, that they will be assured of Christ's resurrection power and resulting eternal salvation of their loved ones.
Also pray for the peace, strength and safe release of the surviving victims still being held in captivity.
May the newly elected government take these ongoing incidents of violence seriously, committing themselves to the safety of vulnerable Christian communities.
Intercede for the perpetrators of the attacks, in hopes they will turn from their sins to faith in the Risen Lord.
Last, but not least, pray that the ministry of Mara's House will be a great blessing to the dozens of Nigerian women who are recovering from the aftermath of persecution.
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