Nigeria: Record-Setting Pace of Violence Against Christians
Nigeria: Record-Setting Pace of Violence Against Christians
Based on stats of the previous year, human rights experts are predicting a record-setting year of violence against Nigeria’s Christians for 2022. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project recorded a total of 31 attacks on Nigerian churches and Christians throughout 2021. Yet, so far, about halfway through 2022, there have already been more than 23 separate attacks on believers.
The deadly raid on a church in southwestern Nigeria on Pentecost Sunday (see Mission Network News for details), as well as last month’s kidnapping of Samuel Kanu, the head of Nigeria’s Methodist Church, are two incidents that recently captured the world’s attention. Sadly, events like these are all too common.
In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman discusses concerns over the increasing levels of violence against Christians in Nigeria with Emmanuel Ogebe. Mr. Ogebe, an international human rights lawyer specializing in African issues, currently serves as the Special Counsel of the Justice for Jos Project based in Washington, D.C.
Length: 42:00
Date: June 23, 2022
Show Notes
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Jubilee Campaign: JubileeCampaign.org
View the Justice for Jos Project on Facebook: Facebook.com/JusticeForJosProjectNigeria/
- Current Ministry Projects
VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.
Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development
- Country Information
Population
230,842,743 (2023 est.)Ethnicity (%)
Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)Religion (%)
Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)Leader
President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)Government type
Federal presidential republicLegal system
Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional lawSource: CIA World Factbook
- Pray for Nigeria
May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.
