Expanding Dangers for Christians

In recent weeks, the Voice of the Martyrs Canada produced a special two-part video series on Nigeria, highlighting the dangers facing Christians in the northern region of the country while focussing on the urgent need for prayer. If you have not yet taken the time to view these two brief but powerful videos, please do so at our country report.

The persecution of believers in Nigeria continues to escalate, fuelled by intensifying attacks from more than six different militant groups vying for control of the nation. As a result, hundreds of Christians have been killed, injured or kidnapped in recent months. In mid-June alone, more than 200 villagers lost their lives in the state of Benue and thousands of others were displaced. While economic and cultural factors contribute to the unrest, religion remains a major catalyst of the ongoing violence. For instance, during the recent raid in Benue, eyewitnesses reported that the attackers shouted, "Allahu Akbar," as they targeted predominantly Christian communities, leaving devastation in their wake.

The scale of violence in Nigeria has reached such a magnitude, that there are urgent calls from around the world prompting decisive action against the country's militants. Yet, despite assurances from Nigerian political leaders, the attacks have continued unabated. Less than three weeks after the Benue massacre, four more Christians were killed in the same area. An in-depth video interview about the ongoing violence is available here.

Militant Fulani herdsmen also attacked the villages of Dogon Fili and Attang in Kaduna State on July 7th, resulting in the deaths of two Christians, as well as injuries to three others. Several individuals were also reportedly kidnapped, although the exact number remains unknown. That same evening, a pastor and another worshipper were killed in a separate attack when militants stormed a worship service at the Bege Baptist Church in Yari Bori, Kaduna. Armed assailants shouted, "Death to infidels," before fatally shooting Pastor Emmanuel Na'allah Auta and Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro. During the raid, an unidentified woman was also taken captive.

Since Yari Bori is a religiously mixed region, comprising both Muslim and Christian residents, Pastor Emmanuel served as a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and peace between its religious communities. According to one local farmer, this church leader is remembered as "a fearless voice for unity" who "worked with Muslim youth and never stopped speaking out against violence."

• Amid the escalating violence against Christians, please continue to lift up the nation of Nigeria in your prayers, especially interceding for all those who have been directly affected by the recent attacks.
• Pray specifically on behalf of Nigerians within these targeted communities who are now mourning the tragic loss of loved ones, asking the Lord to provide them greatly needed comfort and peace.
• Also ask God to minister healing – mentally, emotionally and physically – to all who are suffering in various other ways as a result of the violence.
• Pray that He will continue to raise up courageous Christian leaders, like Pastor Emmanuel, who are willing to serve as Godly advocates for peace, unity and reconciliation in the face of fear and division.