(Image courtesy Morning Star News, Voice of the Martyrs Canada)
Nigeria (ICC/VCM) — January has been a bloody month for Christians in Nigeria.
According to reports from MorningStar News, International Christian Concern (ICC), and the Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), militants connected to the Boko Haram have attacked believers nearly every Sunday this month.
In the latest unconfirmed attack, MorningStar News says 22 Christians were murdered in an assault on a church service, January 26, in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria.
Boko Haram, which wants to impose sharia law throughout Nigeria, was also suspected in a bombing attack on a market in Borno state on January 26, notes ICC. At least 52 people died, and all 300 homes in the village were reportedly burned down. The group also reportedly attacked the village of Wala on January 24.
(Photo courtesy Voice of the Martyrs Canada)
Other VOMC reports say more than 30 believers were killed on January 6th when hundreds of Fulani Muslim herdsmen, armed with guns and machetes, stormed Shonong village in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State. According to local Christians, the soldiers stationed at the village to protect the believers joined the herdsmen in the assault.
“I was shot by soldiers I ran to for protection,” one survivor shared. “We were all trapped in the village as there was no way of escape for us. We ran to the premises of the church, and some soldiers followed us there. They were shooting, and the herdsmen were shooting, too. It was chaos and confusion everywhere.”
(Map courtesy Voice of the Martyrs Canada)
VOMC partners went on to say that in that attack, dozens of homes were set on fire, and the cattle belonging to the villagers were killed or stolen. Approximately 15 believers were critically injured and, at last report, were receiving care at a Christian hospital. Of those killed, many were women and children.
Pray that the believers in Nigeria will trust in the Lord to watch over them and guard their lives, whether in life or in death. Ask that His peace will reign between the Muslim and Christian populations in Nigeria, and that Boko Haram’s attempts to create chaos will be thwarted. Also please remember the many believers in Nigeria who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
