Terrorists Seize More Chibok Villages

BBC, Release International, CNN, CTV, Associated Press 13 October 2016

In northern Nigeria, members of the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, have struck again. On September 26th, the terrorists took over three villages near the town of Chibok which is located within Borno state. It has been reported that at least eight people, including a village elder, have been tragically killed. The attackers have brazenly hoisted their flag around these villages.

At the time of these attacks, many families in the Chibok area were waiting in agony for news of the more than 200 schoolgirls who were abducted in April of 2014. Although a couple of the girls were rescued in May, and others have narrowly escaped, the majority of those seized by Boko Haram remained missing. (For a previously posted report on this situation, click here.)

In an attempt to bring about a resolution, Nigeria's president, Muhammadu Buhari, recently made arrangements for further negotiations to take place with the militants. The president spoke of his willingness to arrange a swap, freeing a few imprisoned militants in exchange for the girls' safe release. On the day of this posting (October 13th), it was reported that negotiations mediated by the Red Cross and the Swiss government have resulted in some success. According to various news sources, 21 of the girls have just been released!

May God minister great comfort and healing to all those who have been injured and bereaved as a result of these recent attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence, love and healing as they await their own release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Buhari, and other members of the Nigerian government, as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and defeat Boko Haram. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

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

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.

Read more...
Expanding Dangers for Christians

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.

Read more...
SPECIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION

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.)

Read more...
SPECIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION

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.

Read more...