Fatalities During the Christmas Season

Coffins lined up with mourners gathered behind.
Coffins of slain Christians in Mallagum.
Photo: Morning Star News

As a local church was about to begin their service on Christmas Day in Angwan Aku, Kaduna, Fulani militants entered the village on motorcycles. Shooting sporadically, one Christian was killed. Before leaving, the attackers also kidnapped 53 other villagers.

Prior to this incident, in the days leading up to Christmas, militants attacked the villages of Mallagum and Kagoro, also located in Kaduna state. Forty Christians were killed in Mallagum on December 18th and an additional three in Kagoro on December 23rd. For those remaining in these predominantly Christian villages, life has been completely disrupted. "The lucky survivors have become refugees in their land," stated one resident. "Mass graves litter the community and the countryside." The assailants were heard to shout the Islamic declaration of Allah akbar (God is greater) while wreaking havoc on the villages.

Nigeria continues to be the nation where more Christians are killed for their faith than any other. While some of the country's violence and kidnappings arise for illicit financial gain, Christians are frequently targeted because of their faith. For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.

Please prayerfully remember the grieving families and community members of the many Christians killed in these recent attacks, as well as those who have been abducted or are recovering from other incidents of persecution. Ask the Lord to minister greatly needed comfort and help to His suffering Nigerian people, replacing their uncertainties and fears with inner peace. May He also give wisdom to the members of the country's political leadership, urging them to make this concern of violent persecution a priority. As elections are taking place in February (for a new president and other governing representatives), pray that the Lord will guide the selection process – raising up those who will bring about peace in this divided nation.

  • 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.