Nigeria: Pray for recently kidnapped Christians

On 21 January, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked Piyemi village in Chibok, Nigeria. Several people were killed and 16 people (15 girls and one male) kidnapped. A church was destroyed and shops and houses looted.

A week earlier, on 15 January, ISWAP attacked the village of Kautikari. Three people were killed and four girls kidnapped. Two churches were destroyed.

Terrorists are becoming more sophisticated

“As the Boko Haram insurgents continue to surrender in their thousands, the ISWAP terrorists become more sophisticated, deadly and continue to increase in numbers,” says Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State Governor, speaking to members of the Senate Committee. “The ISWAP fighters are more sophisticated, educated, armed and brutal than the Boko Haram terrorists. As such, their operations are becoming more pronounced around the southern and extreme northern parts of Borno State.

Image: A rural Nigerian village

It is not yet known if any ransom has been demanded for the kidnapped girls. The story is, of course, sadly familiar to the parents and families of more than a hundred Chibok girls who are still missing after being abducted by Islamic militants Boko Haram in April 2014. The town where this abduction occurred is only about 20km from the two villages where these recent kidnappings took place.

Nigeria is number seven on the Open Doors World Watch List 2022 – rising two places since last year – more Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria, than any other place in 2021. Please join us in praying for peace and the release of those who have been kidnapped.