Kidnapping in a Christian High School

The Engravers' College
The Engravers' College sign

Gunmen abducted six girls and two staff members from a Christian-run boarding school on October 3rd. They forced their way into The Engravers' College in the village of Kakau Daji, Kaduna State in the early morning. According to witnesses, the attackers were Fulani herdsmen, a group responsible for considerable violence in recent years.

The governor of Kaduna State spoke to the media the next day about an apparent coalition between elements within the Fulani and the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram. He spoke of their reported plans to target schools because of the news coverage it would receive.

The kidnappers have contacted the school and there have been negotiations over ransom demands. Incidents like this bring reminders of similar kidnappings, such as those that took place in Dapchi during 2018 and Chibok in 2014. For more information on these and other incidents, revealing the difficulties facing Christians in Nigeria, visit our country report.

Please uphold the victims of this latest kidnapping, interceding for God's protection and care in the victims' lives. Pray that the negotiations will bring about their safe release. Continue to remember 17-year-old Leah Sharibu who remains in Boko Haram captivity, as well as the other schoolgirls still missing from the Chibok incident. May Nigeria's governing officials be prepared to truly take on the difficult task of tackling this rampant violence.

  • 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.