Nigeria (MNN) — Hundreds of people have been killed or injured in a series of attacks in Northern Nigeria in recent days. Unfortunately, these attacks have taken on a more tragic wrinkle: children are being used as suicide bombers.
Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs USA
Voice of the Martyrs Todd Nettleton says Boko Haram’s attacks are heartbreaking, “including one [in which] apparently the child suicide bomber was a 10-year-old girl. Her vest was detonated remotely.”
Nettleton couldn’t say whether or not this young girl was one of the school girls kidnapped by Boko Haram last year. “There had been some speculation that some of these girls would be used as suicide bombers,” says Nettleton, but he doesn’t have any confirmation of that.
The most deadly attack recently is being reported out of Baga by Amnesty International. “Up to 2,000 people killed as Boko Haram took a village right on the Chad border. They also took a Nigerian military base, which presents the [problem] of them having more and better weapons now.”
Some speculate about the increasing amounts of violence. “The Nigerian presidential elections are next month. We know that Boko Haram wants to play a part in that. They want to create havoc leading to the elections.” Many Nigerians have lost confidence in their president, Goodluck Jonathan.
Nettleton says Boko Haram’s footprint is growing. “Boko Haram controls the same amount of territory that the Islamic State controls in Iraq and Syria. So, this isn’t going away any time soon.”
Although the situation seems hopeless, Nettleton says prayer is essential.
You can also help the victims of these attacks. VOM is “helping widows, particularly widows of pastors, helping them to be able to support themselves. We also help the children of martyrs with their education expenses. And, we also have a very robust medical presence in Nigeria.” Your financial support helps VOM do all that, and more. Click here to donate.
Your prayers are also essential. In the midst of unspeakable violence, many moderate Muslims are coming to Christ as they too are targets of terrorists. Pray that God will continue to make Himself known.
Lord Jesus this is so very very sad. Work Lord!
We need you, not sure what to say, stop the slaughter Lord
We know prayer is effective, we know that suffering will happen in this world, but we know we can’t leave our brothers and sisters to suffer alone. Please strengthen us to pray Lord, to believe You are upholding all who call upon You. Amen!
Oh Jesus,
Move mightily on their behalf. Change the atmosphere and give our brothers and sisters favor. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Señor Jesucristo; que por cada mártir cristiano que ejecute Boko Haram y que tu que recibes; se levanten tres más…¡para honra y gloria tuya¡…. y nuestra generación al igual que las anteriores vivan y vean tu resplandor eterno dándonos la bienvenida por no negarte….
¡¡¡¡¡¡Nigeria será la puerta de avivamiento evangelista de la segunda década del siglo XXI en áfrica central-occidental!!!!!.