NIGERIA: EIGHT KILLED, 160 KIDNAPPED IN LATEST ATTACK
Open Doors Youth, PO Box 6, Witney, Oxon, UK, OX29 6WG
We serve Christians around the world whose brave faith in Jesus means they are beaten, threatened, imprisoned, tortured, falsely accused, disowned and hated.
Eight people have been killed and around 160 people, mostly Christians, have been kidnapped after Islamic militants attacked a village in Nigeria.
The incident happened on Friday (24 May) when some 300 armed men believed to be from Ansaru (an Islamic extremist group that is a breakaway faction of bigger group called Boko Haram) entered the village of Kuchi in Niger state. An Open Doors contact says that it’s difficult to verify exact numbers and the names of those kidnapped because many have fled. Most of those taken are reported to be women and children.
Attacks in the region have increased, leading to the formation of several displacement camps. Last month, armed gangs targeted several villages and kidnapped people for ransom.
Ansaru splintered off from Boko Haram in January 2012 and has since targeted civilians, including Westerners, the Nigerian Government and security officials. The group claims to defend Muslims throughout Africa by fighting against the Nigerian Government and international interests. While Ansaru says it identifies with Boko Haram, it has criticised the group for killing fellow Muslims.
Top image: Nigerian village attached and destroyed by Fulani herdsmen.
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For the safety, wellbeing and imminent release of all those taken, and for God’s presence to surround them and their families
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That the Holy Spirit will move powerfully in the hearts of the militants and criminals, drawing them away from evil.
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That the government will act swiftly to free those kidnapped and provide better security for vulnerable communities
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