Mob Kills Pastor Over Alleged Conversion

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Rev. Yohanna Shuaibu was the pastor of the New Life for All Nation Church in the Nigerian village of Masu, located in Kano State. He also served as the local chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. After being attacked on September 22nd by an angry mob, described as "irate Muslim youths," the church leader succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The conflict began after a young man in the area by the name of Sabo had left Islam. On September 21st, Sabo, who was neither attending a church nor a mosque, got into an argument and ended up killing his brother's wife. Even though he subsequently turned himself in for police custody, the expression of differing opinions among local Muslims quickly turned violent.

Already angry because of the growth of the church in the area, a rumour began to spread among Muslim villagers that Sabo had become a Christian, and that Rev. Yohanna was responsible for converting him. The villagers, who were enraged that Sabo had escaped vigilante justice, also learned that the pastor may have encouraged the young man to surrender himself to the police.

As tension mounted in Masu village, Rev. Yohanna was advised to leave the area with his family. After spending the night in the neighbouring village of Biri, the pastor returned the next day to evacuate students from a Christian school he helped to establish. Believing that the hostilities had subsided, his family returned to the community.

That night, a Muslim mob descended on the Christian leader's home. Although his wife and children managed to escape to safety, Rev. Yohanna himself suffered multiple machete blows. When police were alerted of the incident, the wounded pastor was rushed to hospital where he died the next day. Later that evening, the mob continued their attack, destroying the Christian family's home, the building of the church, as well as the Christian school.

Rev. Yohanna, a prominent figure in the community, is described as a "peace-loving Christian community leader." Along with coordinating over 100 churches, he helped to raise funds for the establishment of a school and the drilling of wells which are now providing clean water in areas where government-provided water was previously unavailable – including a local mosque.

Greg Musselman, Minister-at-Large for The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, recently spoke with Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the General Secretary of the Evangelical Church Winning All. In the interview, they discussed the situation in Nigeria, including the rise of persecution that has taken place over recent years. To view the interview, go to this page.

Prayerfully remember Rev. Yohanna's wife and children in their time of grief, asking the Lord to fill them with His comfort and strength. In fact, please pray for all the Christians in the area who are now dealing with the loss of their dear friend, brother-in-Christ, and esteemed church leader. May God mightily intervene in the lives of those responsible for this horrific crime, replacing their anger towards the church with a deep longing for spiritual truth and peace. Also pray for the continued growth of the Gospel in Masu village, and other areas throughout Nigeria, so that the light of Christ can draw many more across this troubled nation to salvation in Him.

  • 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.