Hundreds of Girls Kidnapped by Boko Haram


Pray for the safety of Nigeria's innocent
and most vulnerable citizens.

The predominantly Christian enclave of Chibok in Borno State has been thrown into chaos over the abduction of girls from a secondary school. While many of the schoolgirls (who range in age from 16 to 20) belong to different churches in the area, there were also some innocent Muslim students in attendance at the school during the incident.

Members of the militant Islamist group, Boko Haram, entered the school building on the night of April 14th. Pretending to be soldiers, the militants assured the girls they were protecting them as they ushered at least 270 victims out of the building and into vehicles. The girls were then driven deep into the nearby forest. Since then, approximately 40 have managed to escape, but the whereabouts of the others remain unknown. There are fears that the girls may have been taken across the borders into Cameroon and Chad. There are also reports that some have already been given away in marriage. On May 5th, the leader of Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that he will sell the girls.

Pray that God, who is surely holding His precious daughters in His hands, will provide a way for them to be returned to their families. May the many distraught family members and friends, who are eagerly awaiting news of their abducted children, rest in God's assurance of love and care during this time. Please also pray for the Boko Haram militants who perpetrated this heinous crime, that they too may hear the "Good News" of Jesus and come to faith in Him. Let us also intercede on behalf of the authorities involved, that they will work diligently to safely return these girls to their loved ones.

  • 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 republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: 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.

Nigeria News

  • Ongoing Violence Leads to Church Closures
    Pastor Amos Mohzo is smiling.
    Pastor Amos Mohzo
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. One estimate states that, on average, every two hours there is a Christian in Nigeria who dies. The ongoing brutality comes from numerous directions, and news reports only reflect a small portion of the violent incidents that take place – whether they involve fatalities, abductions or the destruction of properties. In many cases, multiple atrocities take place during a terrorist attack.