Family Faces Second Violent Attack for their Faith

Habila, who survived
after being shot in
2012, tragically lost
family members in a
recent bomb attack.

The notorious rebel group, Boko Haram, is believed to have been responsible for a suicide bomb attack against a church on July 5th. Among the five casualties are Tabita Adamu and two of her eight children, as well as the church's pastor and an elder. In 2012, Tabita's brother Habila endured a gunshot to the face after being confronted by members of Boko Haram. Habila, whom VOM has since supported, gained international attention in 2013 after testifying before members of the U.S. House of Representatives on the threat of Boko Haram. In a private VOM interview, Habila recalls the details of the horrific event. To view a seven-minute videotaped report featuring his testimony, please click here.

On November 28th of 2012, four armed men marched toward Habila's house and demanded that he, his wife, and their six-year-old child step outside. When one of the men threatened Habila, asking if he was willing to die for his faith, the uncompromising believer held true to his convictions. Habila was promptly shot in the nose, fell to the ground, and began to bleed profusely. Police on call, who had offered to help Habila, never showed up at the scene.

Nine hours had passed before Habila was taken to the nearest hospital. Unable to tend to his complicated condition, the medical team transferred him to a different hospital, which later transferred him elsewhere for surgery. Due to the severity of damage done to his mouth, he was fed through a tube for the duration of his hospitalization, which spanned over six weeks. On the day of the scheduled operation, the surgeon discovered that he did not need to conduct the bone and skin grafts because the Lord had already begun healing these areas. Remarkably, since the shooting incident, Habila has forgiven the assailants.

Thank the Lord for healing Habila's mouth, and for using it to speak out against the threat of Boko Haram and testify of the Gospel (Genesis 50:20). Pray that this persevering Christian spokesperson will now experience healing and comfort after tragically losing his sister Tabita and two of her children during the church bombing, along with fellow ministry workers. May Habila and the surviving victims of this recent attack find great strength and peace in the Lord. We echo Habila's heart's cry for the true victims of such acts of evil -- the perpetrators – interceding that the Lord will "let them know the truth" so they will not eternally perish but rather be spiritually saved and radically transformed.

  • 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

  • Over 7,000 Christians Killed Thus Far in 2025
    Pallbearers are carrying a beautifully decorated white casket.
    Persecuted believers in Nigeria are familiar with grief. 
    Photo: Evangelical Church Winning All

    Reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria continue to multiply, with attacks from multiple sources surging in both frequency and intensity. According to a report released on August 10th, more than 7,000 Nigerian Christians had been killed within the first 220 days of 2025 – an average of 32 deaths per day. Additionally, at least 7,800 followers of Jesus were abducted for their faith, more than 19,000 churches have been destroyed, and over 1,100 Christian communities are now dealing with displacement in the aftermath of these attacks.

  • Expanding Dangers for Christians
    Video screenshot of the destruction.
    Video screenshot showing some of the
    destruction following the Benue massacre.
    Photo: Stefanos Foundation

    In recent weeks, the Voice of the Martyrs Canada produced a special two-part video series on Nigeria, highlighting the dangers facing Christians in the northern region of the country while focussing on the urgent need for prayer. If you have not yet taken the time to view these two brief but powerful videos, please do so at our country report.

    The persecution of believers in Nigeria continues to escalate, fuelled by intensifying attacks from more than six different militant groups vying for control of the nation. As a result, hundreds of Christians have been killed, injured or kidnapped in recent months. In mid-June alone, more than 200 villagers lost their lives in the state of Benue and thousands of others were displaced. While economic and cultural factors contribute to the unrest, religion remains a major catalyst of the ongoing violence. For instance, during the recent raid in Benue, eyewitnesses reported that the attackers shouted, "Allahu Akbar," as they targeted predominantly Christian communities, leaving devastation in their wake.

  • SPECIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION
    Stephen is teaching in a video preview.
    Join us in praying for our Nigerian family.

    VOMC's production team has filmed on location in Nigeria a special two-part "Persecution & Prayer Alert" video series. We now invite you to view the second part of this informative series. (To watch the previous week's video presentation, and/or to explore published written reports addressing persecution in Nigeria, visit our country report.)

  • SPECIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION
    Rev. Joseph John Hayab is praying in a video preview.
    View this inspiring call to prayer.

    The Voice of the Martyrs Canada production team has filmed on location in Nigeria a special two-part "Persecution & Prayer Alert" video series. We invite you to view this presentation, and then join us in prayer for our persecuted Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ who are – with God's empowerment and the prayers of His people – resiliently overcoming intense persecution in this beleaguered nation.