Two Aid Workers Executed

Godfrey Ali Shikagham and Lawrence Duna Dacighir - Photo: Morning Star News www.morningstarnews.org
Christian aid workers Godfrey Ali Shikagham (left) and Lawrence Duna Dacighir before their executions.
Photo: Morning Star News

The militant Islamic group Boko Haram released a video on September 22nd showing the execution of Lawrence Duna Dacighir and Godfrey Ali Shikagham. These two Christian men had left their homes in Abuja and travelled to Maiduguri in order to help build shelters for those displaced by recent violence.

In the video, one of the three terrorists vowed to kill every Christian they captured, saying it would be done in revenge for Muslims who were killed in the country's past conflicts. It is unclear from the video exactly when the slain men were executed. For more reports on the violence facing Nigeria's Christians, go to our country report.

Please remember these slain men's families and friends as they mourn their terrible loss. Ask the Lord to provide greatly needed ministry and protection to all the Nigerians suffering persecution; the same applies to those who are trying to assist them. Pray that Nigeria's authorities will receive needed wisdom, strength and help as they work tirelessly to restore peace and security.

  • 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.

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Nigeria News

  • More Than 100 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks
    Buildings show significant damage.
    Believers in Nigeria face constant threats.
    Photo: VOMC

    In central Nigeria, Plateau State has been a hotspot for significant violence from militant groups during recent years. Over the past month, as many as 130 Christians have died in various attacks within the state. In each case, the violence has been attributed to groups of Fulani militants.

    Read more...

  • Numerous Recent Atrocities in Chibok Area
    Men with covered faces are holding large firearms.
    Boko Haram terrorists.

    In the latest onslaught of violence by Boko Haram terrorists, Christian communities near Chibok, Borno State, were recently targeted by a string of coordinated attacks. The devastating raids resulted in several deaths, the destruction of dozens of homes, and the forced displacement of more than 4,000 followers of Jesus. 

    Read more...

  • Dozens Killed in Christmas Week Attacks
    A house has been destroyed by fire.
    Christians in NIgeria have faced violence for years.
    Photo: VOMC

    Nearly 50 Nigerian Christians were killed in a series of attacks that took place during the week of Christmas. On Sunday, December 22nd, believers in a village located within Nigeria's Plateau State had gathered to celebrate the season by singing carols. As they were leaving, a group of armed Fulani militants opened fire, killing 14 of the attending Christians, including a pregnant woman and a one-year-old child.

    Read more...

  • Special Video Edition
    Greg Musselman is praying with a family. The parents' hands are covered with the clay from brick making. One of the two small children is looking up to the Daddy.
    Photo: VOMC

    Thank you for your continued faithfulness, compassion and partnership in praying for our Christian brothers and sisters who suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness. This week's special video edition of the Persecution & Prayer Alert focusses on the importance of prayer.

    Read more...

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Special Video Edition - 2024 in Review - Nigeria
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Nigeria: Nankpak's Story of Survival and Healing Provides Comfort to Persecuted Christians
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Nigeria: Bringing Persecution Teaching to Northern Pastors
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Nigeria: Continued Heartbreak for Parents of Kidnapped Chibok Girls
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