Three Christians were killed and 15 others kidnapped when gunmen raided a night prayer vigil on May 23rd. At least 10 attackers invaded the gathering in the community of Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran in Nigeria's western state of Kwara. The violent assault sparked widespread terror throughout the region, causing villagers to flee for safety.
State police officers have since been dispatched to the area and are now conducting a coordinated rescue mission. The commissioner of police described the attack as "barbaric, callous and unacceptable," assuring affected families that the authorities are fully committed to rescuing the captives and bringing those responsible to justice.
At last report, the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown. However, similar attacks throughout Nigeria have generally been attributed to militant Islamic members of the nomadic Fulani herdsmen tribe, as well as ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Recently, the United States has joined Nigeria's government in conducting raids on known ISIS groups. During the weekend of May 16th to 17th, a joint strike in Borno State resulted in the death of prominent ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, along with several other leading militants. It is hoped that these efforts will help curb the ongoing violence in this troubled West African nation. To review other reports concerning the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, go to our country profile.
- Pray for the safe and timely rescue of the 15 believers who were taken captive during this most recent attack.
- Ask the Lord to restrain the violence, protecting Nigeria's believers from militants who seek to harm them in an attempt to establish an Islamic state.
- In addition to experiencing God's perfect peace – which surpasses all understanding – may all who are suffering in the aftermath of this incident receive His healing, comfort and renewed strength. (This includes those whose loved ones were either abducted or slain, as well as the assaulted victims in need of recovery from physical injury and/or emotional trauma.)
- Prayerfully remember all of our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, asking the Lord to provide them ongoing practical help, spiritual encouragement and enduring hope, so they can continue brightly shining His light in a world that desperately needs His salvation.
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