Nigeria Christians Fear More Deaths ‘In World’s Most Violent Place’
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ABUJA (Worthy News) – Christians in Nigeria say their nation has become one of the most dangerous places in the world, with, on average, one believer being killed every two hours by extremists.
In one of the latest known attacks, Islamic Fulani militants ambushed the village of Maiyanga in Plateau State on July 7, killing three Christians and injuring two others, Christians said.
During a previous attack in Plateau State on June 2, Pastor Dauda Dalyop from the hamlet of Ari Songo was reportedly killed by militants alongside his wife Chummy Dauda, in addition to three other slain victims: Chwe Ajuhs, Joshua Kusa, and Rikwe Doro.
The attacks have forced 70 churches to close in northeastern Nigeria for one denomination.
In comments shared with Worthy News, Pastor Amos Mohzo, president of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), said: “All our worship church buildings in these communities were burned down by terrorists. Christians are still living in camps outside their communities.”
Pastor Amos said that while COCIN “desires to continue reaching out to others with the Gospel message,” the ongoing attacks prevent their evangelistic activities. “How can we deliberately jeopardize and endanger the lives of those called to ministry when we know that they’ll become targets of terrorist attacks?”
ORANGE JUMPSUIT
The violence has added concerns about the plight of kidnapped COCIN Pastor Paul Musa and his Ruth.
Pastor Musa appeared in a video last month wearing an orange jumpsuit, kneeling in front of a masked gunman, pleading for his life and that of his wife.
Evangelist and farmer Paul Jongas told Worthy News that while both are believed to be still alive, they have been moved to mountings in neighboring Cameroon.
The gunmen had threatened to kill them without a ransom being paid, but talks were apparently still ongoing, with Christians appealing for prayers.
Yet amid the pain, Christians said there was also reason for joy as Roman Catholic priest Mikah Suleiman was safely released from captivity on July 7.
No details were immediately announced concerning the identities of his kidnappers nor the terms for his release.
PRAYERS ASKED
In a video-recorded message released shortly after Mikah’s homecoming, the priest said: “I want to thank you for your prayers and support towards my rescue. By the grace of God, I’m out from the hands of the bandits.”
Yet Christians told Worthy News that many were afraid for their lives.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), a Nigerian-based research and investigative rights group, has said that over 50,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since the outbreak of the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in 2009.
Additionally, more than 18,000 had over 2,000 Christian schools were set on fire, according to its estimates.
With persecution reported in several parts of Nigeria, the Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC) advocacy group is involved in supporting pastors.
“Recently, VOMC’s Greg Musselman traveled to Nigeria, along with one of our credible ministry partners, to present the Theology of Persecution and Discipleship course to pastors in affected areas,” VOMC told Worthy News.
“Please prayerfully uphold all those who have been affected by the ongoing violence in Nigeria. For those mourning the loss of their loved ones, may God’s Spirit bring greatly needed comfort,” VOMC added.
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our FREE sydication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To find out more, visit Worthy Plugins.