NIGERIA: Church Building Burned Down

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Punch, Daily Post, Premium Times, Independent

One of the many churches that have been destroyed by fire in Nigeria. Photo: VOMC

During the early morning hours of August 10th, the building of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kontagora was burned to the ground. Residents in the area reported that they witnessed a group of men loot the church building before setting it on fire. This is the second time that the church facility has been destroyed and, on both occasions, militant Muslim activists are believed to have been responsible.

According to the church's associate pastor, Samson Ogbebor, there were several previous attempts to prevent the congregation from building their facility. Ever since the place of worship was initially burned to the ground ten years ago, the Christians have faced many obstacles while rebuilding.

The destruction has been widely condemned by both members of the government and an association of Muslim imams. The governor of Niger State described the action as a "mindless and cowardly act." In the aftermath of the violent incident, the director of religious affairs called on both Christians and Muslims within the community to "join hands to end antics of enemies of peace trying to cause religious disaffection between them."

Nigeria has been referred to as the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Although the violence comes from numerous sources, attacks generally stem from those following a militant Islamic ideology.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.

Pray for the members of this congregation as they determine their next steps and look ahead towards the future of their ministry. 

Ask the Lord to provide these long-suffering congregants needed emotional healing, as well as the financial resources required to replace all that has been looted and destroyed. 

May their ongoing ministry efforts among the Muslim members of this community serve as catalysts of God's compassion and wonderful message of salvation. 

Also prayerfully remember to uphold the country's governing officials, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom and guidance as they seek to resolve the ongoing concern of violence.