More than 130 Christians were killed by Fulani terrorists in Nigeria’s middle belt Benue state during the first few days of April, it has been reported. In the same week a pastor in the northeastern Borno state was murdered by Islamic extremists.
Rev Yakubu Shuaibu of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) was killed by members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who broke into his house on the night of April 4, said EYN leader Salamatu Billi. His pregnant wife was also shot and wounded.
‘Please let us all pray for his wife’s recovery, for God to comfort his entire family, and for the church of God and ministers of the church working in the danger zones of Borno and Adamawa states,’ Billi said. ‘The hunt for Christians, especially ministers serving in the church, by terrorists in northeast Nigeria continues. This is the third EYN pastor to be killed in cold blood within a short time by these terrorists.’
ISWAP also attacked predominantly Christian villages at the same time the pastor was slain, said local resident Josephine Joseph. ‘During the attacks, the terrorists destroyed houses of Christians and looted their homes of food items,’ she said.
In Benue state Fulani herdsmen killed more than 130 Christians from April 2 to April 10, said state governor Samuel Ortom in a press statement.
‘Within one week, 134 Christians have been killed by herdsmen,’ he said. ‘This apart from the fact that of the 23 local government areas of the state, 18 of them have been ravaged by herdsmen attacks, and most Christians in these council areas displaced.’
Nigeria campaign
If you were unable to join the online launch event for our Nigeria campaign, Out of these Ashes, last month, you can now watch it on our YouTube channel.
Throughout the duration of the campaign we will be posting weekly prayer videos and regular updates from our partners in Nigeria which you can download and use in your church or home group. All of our Out of these Ashes resources are available on our website.
PRAYER
- Ask God to comfort all those bereaved by the attacks in Benue state. Pray also for the injured and traumatised
- Pray for healing for Rev Yakubu’s wife and for their unborn child
- Continue to pray for an end to the violence against Christians in Nigeria
(Source: Morning Star News)
