At least 20 people have been killed in an attack on Kawel community in the Mushere area in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) in Northern Nigeria.
According to police, the attack, by “a group of armed hoodlums” happened around 4:40 on Sunday, June 21. In a statement, the police said they went to the scene when they received information about the attack and the attackers left following a gunfight with the police.
The community of Kawel is predominantly comprised of local Christian farmers.
The police further reported that 18 people died at the scene two more died at the hospital.
According to a church leader in Bokkos, a 14 year old child remains in the hospital with injuries. He also reported that 21 people died, including one pregnant woman, and that they were buried in a mass grave.
Local church leader Rev. Markus Nyam was shot in front of the church building. Medical staff in the nearby clinic were also killed.
He says security forces have presence in the close vicinity of the village, but their “late arrival left the defenseless community entirely at the mercy of their assailants for the duration of the raid.”
The Bokkos LGA has experienced repeated attacks in recent years; one example of the increased violence against Christians that has risen in parts of Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa.
Pray
- Pray for the families of the victims – that the Holy Spirit will give them comfort and peace.
- Pray that the government is given the wisdom and power to protect their citizens.
- Pray for wisdom for church leaders to give biblical responses to the violence.
Speak up
The Arise Africa campaign is a multi-year project from Open Doors seeking to strengthen our persecuted family in sub-Saharan Africa.
You can help: sign the Arise Africa petition.
Open Doors’ goal is to get One Million names added to the petition calling on global and local governments to recognize the situation facing persecuted Christians and respond through Protection, Justice, and Restoration.
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