NIGERIA: AT LEAST 10 KILLED AS CHRISTIANS ARE TARGETED

At least ten believers have been killed in a spate of devastating attacks on mostly Christian communities in Nigeria.

Since 22 December, attacks have been reported in seven communities in Chibok LGA (Local Government Area), based in Nigeria’s north east Borno State.

Aside from those tragically killed, several have been wounded, and 12 churches have been damaged, looted or burnt. Many homes have also been targeted. In the most deadly attack, in Shikarkir on 20 January, eight people were killed and 57 homes destroyed.

According to Open Doors field sources, Christian buildings were targeted, and in each affected community a church was attacked. “The attackers burn down houses, food barns and whatever they find belonging to Christians, leaving those owned by Muslims,” said a source.

More than 4,000 people have been displaced by the horrific attacks, with many having lost homes and possessions, and there is fear of further attacks. Most of those who have fled are women and children. Some have fled to as far as the border with Cameroon.

Open Doors field sources say only three communities in Chibok LGA – which is 95% Christian – have not been attacked. There is immense fear among Christians, and it’s believed that converts from Muslim backgrounds, along with other new believers, are being enticed to convert to Islam to be safe from Boko Haram.

Open Doors local partners are planning on delivering emergency relief aid to 500 households in the area.

Nigeria is seventh on the latest World Watch List. Last year, 3,100 believers lost their lives for their faith – more than everywhere else in the world combined – and 100,000 were displaced from their homes. It’s a similar story across sub-Saharan Africa, with believers in many nations facing rising levels of violence by militants.These latest attacks reinforce the importance of our ongoing Arise Africa campaign, which includes a petition calling upon the global community to ensure that Christians and other vulnerable individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are treated with dignity and respect through protection, justice and restoration. If you’ve yet to already, could you sign it? And above all, please continue to pray.