Worshippers Slain in Church Attacks; Others Kidnapped
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Worshippers Slain in Church Attacks; Others Kidnapped

Several men are carrying guns. All of their faces are covered.
Militants in Nigeria
Photo: Voice of America

The village of Bakinpah-Maro in Kaduna State, Nigeria, has been experiencing repeated attacks from Islamic militants. In order to provide greater protection to residents of the community, village leaders recently raised funds to build a security post that would help draw more law enforcement personnel to the area. However, on the morning of Sunday, September 15th, the village was again attacked by militants – believed to be Fulani herdsmen – who specifically targeted two churches in the community.

A Catholic church, as well as an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation, had been assailed while the Christians conducted their worship services. By the end of the raids, three people were killed and 30 others kidnapped, including Pastor Bernard Gajere who led the ECWA congregation.

An eyewitness of the incident described the situation as "horrendous." "We were helpless as we watched the bandits wreak havoc," recounted the anonymous resident. Villagers are calling on the government to intensify security efforts and do everything possible to rescue the kidnapped hostages.

The members of such vulnerable communities across Nigeria are constantly being subjected to fear and uncertainty, aware that the militants could suddenly attack their villages at any moment, posing them to the risk of further fatalities, looting and kidnapping. In many cases, Christians are particularly targeted by groups adhering to militant Islamic beliefs. For more information on the travails facing Nigeria's Christians, go to our country report.

Please remember the recently kidnapped Christians in your prayers, asking that they would not only receive God's divine protection while in captivity, but also the strength and peace that comes from the abiding presence of His Holy Spirit. May the Lord also pour out His unfailing love and comfort upon the families who are seeking the rapid release of their abducted loved ones. For those who have tragically lost family members and/or friends in these recent attacks, pray that they would likewise experience His comforting presence and healing in the midst of their mourning.

  • 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.