Attacks over the Easter period claimed more than 30 lives, with many more reportedly abducted in northern Nigeria.
Last week, Open Doors shared about an attack on Palm Sunday, when unidentified gunmen opened fire in the streets of the Christian majority area of Jos. At least 27 people were killed.
While it is still unclear if the attack was specifically religiously motivated, it did result in curfews across the region leading into Easter festivities, preventing many Christians from worshipping together.
Unfortunately, those curfews did not prevent other attacks occurring elsewhere in northern Nigeria on Easter Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday, April 5, two churches were attacked in Ariko village. A representative said that during the Easter service seven people were killed and an unknown number taken hostage. (Alternate reports give the death toll at five).
Elsewhere, suspected Fulani militants launched simultaneous assaults on the Mbalom and Mbasombo Christian communities. Twenty-six more people were killed.
On Monday, according to local field partners, two people in Pwomol village were killed when armed Fulani militants invaded the community. The deceased were keeping watch when they were killed.
Our Nigerian brothers and sisters in that part of the country are faced with fear and devastation at a time when the joy of Easter should be front and centre. Will you pray for them today?
Pray
- Pray for the churches that were attacked, that God will strengthen their faith to stand strong in these difficult times.
- Pray for peace for the grieving families and congregations.
- Pray that those who have been kidnapped, will be unharmed, receive medical care when needed and be safely reunited with their loved ones.
- Pray for the church leaders for wisdom on guiding their flocks with biblical answers to difficult questions.
- Pray that the violence in northern Nigeria will cease.
