Tags

Martyrdom

• More Than 100 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks

  

  In central Nigeria, Plateau State has been a hotspot for significant violence from militant groups during recent years. Over the past month, as many as 130 Christians have died in various attacks within the state. In each case, the violence has been attributed to groups of Fulani militants.

• Guilty Verdict for Christian's Killer

  

  On November 9th, 2023, a follower of Jesus named Farhan Ul Qamar was killed in his family's home by a man who is well-known in the community for his hatred towards Christians and Jews. It is believed that the violence may have been instigated by a minor disagreement that took place the day before the attack. (For more details on the incident, see this report.)

• Numerous Recent Atrocities in Chibok Area

  

  In the latest onslaught of violence by Boko Haram terrorists, Christian communities near Chibok, Borno State, were recently targeted by a string of coordinated attacks. The devastating raids resulted in several deaths, the destruction of dozens of homes, and the forced displacement of more than 4,000 followers of Jesus. 

• Christian Woman Killed, Daughter Wounded

  

  On January 6th, two Christian women had been returning home from work in Gujranwala when they were approached and shot by two men on a motorcycle. During the attack, Shabana and her 18-year-old daughter Misbah were both struck by bullets. The mother was instantly killed at the scene, while Misbah received a serious bullet wound to her back – requiring urgently needed hospitalization for treatment. At last report, the Christian teen remains in critical condition.

• Christians Face Opposition and Violence

  

  Christian workers in Vietnam are requesting urgent prayer on behalf of believers who have recently experienced situations of severe persecution. In response to the ongoing concern, VOMC's partnering ministry office in Australia has been providing the affected Christians with greatly needed financial assistance.

• Pastoring Family Assassinated

  

  Police are currently investigating the drive-by assassination of Pastor Marlon Lora and his family, which took place on December 29th. Pastor Marlon, his wife Yurlay Rincon – along with their two children, Angela and Santiago – had been finishing lunch when they were suddenly gunned down by men on a motorcycle. The violent attack occurred just metres away from the police station in Aguachica, northern Colombia.

• Dozens Killed in Christmas Week Attacks

  

  Nearly 50 Nigerian Christians were killed in a series of attacks that took place during the week of Christmas. On Sunday, December 22nd, believers in a village located within Nigeria's Plateau State had gathered to celebrate the season by singing carols. As they were leaving, a group of armed Fulani militants opened fire, killing 14 of the attending Christians, including a pregnant woman and a one-year-old child.

• Numerous Christians Killed in Benue State

  

  During two separate attacks on November 24th and December 1st, Fulani herdsmen killed 48 Christians in the Nigerian state of Benue, which is considered the north-central part of the country. These attacks are just two recent examples of the horrific dangers believers must deal with in this West African nation.

• New Believer Slain by Unknown Assailants

  

  In August of this year, a widower and father of two referred to as "Brother Man" came to faith in Christ. When news of the believer's conversion became known, he began to encounter intense pressure from local authorities.
  
  In the first incident, Brother Man was ordered to leave his home. When he refused to do so, the local authorities then confiscated his land and forbade him from contacting any other Christians. Despite the opposition, the follower of Jesus remained firm in his newfound faith.

• Worshippers Slain in Church Attacks; Others Kidnapped

  

  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.