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The president of Nigeria said: ‘The Church is one of the main targets’ of terrorist attacks by the radical Islamic group Boko Haram. ‘If the idea of Boko Haram is to stop Nigerians from worshipping God, they will not succeed,’ President Goodluck Jonathan told parishioners at a church in Nigeria's capital Sunday. Gunmen suspected of belonging to Boko Harem have attacked a Nigerian village in the last week. They rounded up men, women, and children and killed at least 15. The Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans has been urging the United States to label Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization, a move that could hurt its funding and support. However, while US State Department is considering the request, so far, the Department hasn't decided if labelling the group that way is the most effective way to deal with them. Boko Haram is blamed for killing nearly 800 people in 2012 alone, according to the Associated Press.
Pray: that the prayers of God’s people will hold back those that worship other gods. (Ps.81:9)
More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=42436&PN=1&TPN=1
Since Nigeria's government has proved itself incapable of protecting the country's Christians, the militant Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has pledged to protect them by targeting Islamic institutions with retaliatory violence. Last year, almost 70% of all Christians killed worldwide were murderd in Nigeria according to International Christian Concern. If sectarian warfare breaks out, Nigeria may become the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian. See: http://www.worthynews.com/12256-is-sectarian-war-stewing-in-nigeria Renowned cleric, Prophet Kayode Abiara has stated that the situation in the country requires urgent prayer and not revolution. He urged Nigerians to pray ceaselessly for the nation, saying it was prayers that had kept the country together- if not for prayers of both Christians and Muslims the country would have collapsed by now. We must thank God for the churches and the mosques. The call by some people for revolution is misplaced. Instead of shedding blood through revolution, Nigerians should pray. God answers prayers.
Pray: for those in positions of authority to have God’s blessing s of wisdom and insight in every situation and may the Church experience God's protection as they stand united. (Ps.133)
More: http://www.persecution.org/2013/04/30/prayer-will-save-nigeria-not-revolution/
Violence between the the Berom Christians and Hausa Fulani communities flared up in March this year and community leaders in Nigeria's Plateau State are appealing again for calm in villages outside the city of Jos. At least six people - women and children - were killed, cattle slaughtered and homes burned in one village this week. In January and March this year, similar attacks prompted a spiral of rioting and killing in the region that left hundreds of people dead. Leaders in Ranwianku are urging residents not to think of revenge. In one incident an elderly woman, unable to flee the armed gang, was killed along with a young mother and four small children. Ranwianku is a predominantly Christian settlement. The attackers spoke the Fulani language. Pray: that the two communities would learn to love their neighbour and live together peacefully. (Mt.6:12-13)
Tuesday’s gubernatorial and states' legislature votes ended the 2011 elections on a very peaceful note across the country, after weeks of outraged protesters attacking Christian supporters of the president. Relief officials estimate at least 65,000 were displaced as a result of election tensions. Security forces reinforced northern states where post-election violence included killing and maiming innocent citizens, setting fire to business premises, private homes, and places of worship. Authorities blamed Islamist sect Boko Haram for challenging Nigeria's Christian government. Nigeria has a Muslim North and Christian South with hostility between them exacerbated by indigene/settler laws, discriminatory employment practices, and resource competition.
Pray: for the concluding election results to be accepted across the country and for Boko Haram to lose authority and status in communities. (Nu.6:26)
More: ttp://www.christiantoday.com/article/more.than.500.dead.in.nigeria.election.violence/27891.htm
Two police officers died when a gunmen attacked a police base in Abuja, enabling five suspected robbers to escape. Suspected robbers and militants from the Boko Haram Islamist group are often held at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) base. The attack came a day after a double suicide bombing killed 11 people in a church inside a military barracks north of Abuja. Many are wondering how the attackers could have entered the barracks, which houses Nigeria's elite military training centre, without some inside help. The base is near several government buildings and security is normally extremely tight in the area. The militants have a history of attacking prisons and freeing Boko Haram members. Day 17 of the Year of Prayer for Nigeria tells us that contrary to God's word many Nigerians curse the police. See:
Pray: for an improved standard of recruitment of police officers; and ask God to reverse the curses people have placed on the police. Pray blessings, protection and righteousness on them. (1Tim 2:1-4.)
15 000+ Nigerian Christians will have participated in the 2012 pilgrimage to Jerusalem this year. So far 11,060 pilgrims have visited Israel and more are expected. The 2012 Christian pilgrimage will end on Dec. 24. The only changes in plans were that visits to Mount Sinai were suspended because of unfavourable security reports. The Israeli authorities reciprocate Nigeria’s love for Israel by always making the pilgrims’ stay in the Holy land worthwhile. See: Meanwhile at home, Nigerian Christians are asking churches across the world to pray for their safety from deadly attacks this Christmas, amid renewed threats. Boko Haram has been attacking Christians from northern Nigeria. Dozens have died in bombing attacks during Christmas services over the past two years. Church leaders this year are, ‘very worried’ believing that the security situation will not protect Nigerian Christians going to church on Christmas Day. Boko Haram has killed over 770 Nigerians in 2012.
Pray: that the pilgrims abroad and the persecuted at home will be spiritually uplifted this Christmas and for the Nigerian government to do more to protect congregations and thwart violent extremism. (Ps.145:18-20)
More: http://www.persecution.org/2012/12/15/nigerian-christians-fear-attack-on-christmas/
Boko Haram killed three North Korean doctors in the latest attack on health workers. The deaths on Saturday night come after gunmen killed at least nine women administering polio vaccines in Kano. Some believe Boko Haram are picking soft targets in its campaign of shootings and bombings across the country. The North Korean doctors had lived in the state since 2005 as part of a medical programme. They were attacked inside their home (which had no security guards; they also travelled without police escort). When soldiers arrived at the house they found two of the men had their throats slit, the other was decapitated. Also Church of the Brethren Newsline reported 15 people killed and 8 sustaining gunshot wounds in an attack on a church at the beginning of the month. The church building and the pastor’s office were burned down, along with some houses belonging to Christians.
Pray: against Boko Haram - whose name means ‘western education is sacrilege,’ pray for Christians working in Nigeria’s health systems, pray also for the families of the deceased. (Ps.2:1-2,12b)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/10/south-korea-doctors-nigeria-killed
A series of coordinated attacks on African Christian communities in Nigeria’s Plateau State over recent weekends have left many dead and injured. The various news reports provide conflicting information about some basic facts - number of attackers - sequence of events - an accounting of the dead - but they all agree on the severity of the attacks. Information from news sources state 50 of the 90 killed in one incident were from a single church in Maseh village. Sources report that rebels from the Boko Haram surrounded the church and set it on fire. As the church burned the assailants waited and killed anyone trying to escape. The spokesperson for Boko Haram, Abul Qaqa, claimed responsibility and guaranteed that there would be more attacks on Christians as they attempt to establish total control and Islamize the region. Boko Haram has essentially declared war in Jos and its surrounding area. Our prayers and support for Nigerian Christians have never been more critically needed.
Pray: for Nigerian Christians to be surrounded and held tenderly by God and to be continually aware of His unfailing love for them. (Ps.13)
More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayer-updates/2012/%297-July/Nigeria-is-becoming-genocide
Nigeria: Muslim youths attack churches and house Another attack against Nigerian Christians north of Joshas has taken place. Two churches and a pastor's home were destroyed. In this most recent event as many as 100 young Muslims came onto church property attacking people and burning down the buildings. This attack mostly went under the radar because no one was killed. Not all violence stems from religious causes. According to ABC News ethnic tensions prevail between the Berom group (deemed mostly Christian) and the largely-Muslim Hausa and Fulani groups. Additional access to oil revenues contributes to political tensions throughout the country. Though all attacks may not stem from religious differences they cause much strife and hurt in victims' lives. Pray: that Christians will continue to respond in a positive spirit of forgiveness and perpetrators of violence will be caught and prosecuted. (Is.59:20-21)
Nigeria's Boko Haram has been accused of crimes against humanity. In a country where college students are lynched in tough neighbourhoods, the most depraved killers are still not considered terrorists by the State Department. The group is one of the deadliest organizations in Africa, accused of killing at least 1,500 people between June 2009 and September 2012. Its victims are the Police, Christians and Muslims it sees as betraying the true faith. They sabotage oil pipelines, take down automated teller machines and rip up telephone lines in a violent jihad against the West. This week clashes intensified between Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces as the government claimed credit for killing the group’s spokesman. Meanwhile, a series of explosions rocked the northern city of Maiduguri – thought to be more work of Boko Haram. Boko Haram’s name translates into ‘Western education is a sin.’
Pray: that Boko Haram would be designated a terrorist organization and for the world to understand there is a need for more protection of innocent Nigerian lives. (Ps.34:6,7)