Nigeria

MORE CHURCHES DESTROYED IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

MORE CHURCHES DESTROYED IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Sharia-related Tension Continues to Breed Violence by Obed Minchakpu GUSAU, Nigeria (Compass) — At least five churches were destroyed during February in northern Nigeria as the controversial implementation of Islamic law continued in several states. St. Dominic’s Catholic Church was demolished on February 14 in Dashi, a village located 12 kilometers from Gusau, the state capital of Zamfara state. Zamfara Governor Alhaji Ahmed Sani had forcefully converted the church into an Islamic school in January. Christian Leaders told Compass that some of the persons who attacked the church have been arrested and that it … Read more

Nigerian Churches will Challenge Islamic Law

LAGOS, Nigeria (Compass) — Disturbed by some northern Nigeria states’ widespread declaration that they are Islamic states and have adopted Islam as the state religion, Nigerian Christian churches have resolved to go to court to challenge what they see as an onslaught on their rights.

Foreign Christians Still Locked up in Jeddah

ISTANBUL, November 27 (Compass) — More than a dozen foreign Christians remain jailed in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, where local authorities have for months ignored inquiries and notes of protest from consulates requesting diplomatic access to their imprisoned citizens.

Nigerian’s President Calls For Reconciliation

ABUJA, Nigeria, March 2 (Compass) — In a nationwide broadcast Wednesday night, March 1, Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo called for reconciliation between Christians and Muslims following two weeks of bloody clashes that have left hundreds dead.

Clinton urges Nigerians to view diversity as blessing, not curse

LAGOS, Nigeria, 27 August 2000 (Newsroom) – U.S. President Bill Clinton, during what may be his last official visit to Africa’s most populous nation, urged Nigerians to learn to live together despite their religious differences.

Borno becomes seventh Nigerian state to adopt Sharia

Borno becomes seventh Nigerian state to adopt Sharia 23 August 2000 (Newsroom) — Borno has become the seventh state in Nigeria’s mostly Muslim north to formally adopt Islamic law, or Sharia. Police in the state capital of Maiduguri stood guard as the move became official Saturday, fearing a possible backlash from non-Muslims. Earlier this year more than 1,000 people died in clashes between Christians and Muslims after Kaduna state announced it would adopt Sharia. Many Nigerian leaders fear the moves by northern states to implement Sharia, which began last October, could lead to the disintegration of the country. Seeking to … Read more

Military Officers Arrested for Killing Christians

The outbreak of religious conflicts between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria over the adoption of sharia (Islamic legal system) in some states has spread to the nation’s military ranks. Killings of Christian soldiers and non-military personnel have been reported in Lagos and Kaduna.

Christian groups in Nigeria launch program to aid victims of persecution

LAGOS, Nigeria, 5 August 2000 (Newsroom) — A Christian initiative aimed at rehabilitating individuals and churches traumatized during sectarian riots in Kaduna earlier this year was launched in Lagos by a Pentecostal assembly, the Living Waters Unlimited Church.

Nigeria high court sets June date to hear arguments on Sharia

LAGOS, 22 May 2000 (Newsroom) — Nigeria’s Federal High Court will hear arguments next month on the legality of Sharia law, which has sparked violent conflicts between Christians and Muslims in northern states where it has been introduced.

Christians launch political organization in Nigeria

LAGOS, 7 May 2000 (Newsroom) – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) launched a new political organization last week with the aim of more effectively mobilizing Christians to act in public affairs.

Christian leaders blast motion to impeach Nigeria president

LAGOS, 24 April 2000 (Newsroom) – Religious and political leaders have soundly condemned the attempt by a controversial senator to launch impeachment proceedings against Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo, a move they say is meant to embarrass the country’s first elected president in nearly two decades.

Churches in Nigeria lead relief effort for victims of religious riots

LAGOS, 13 April 2000 (Newsroom) – Churches throughout Nigeria continue to send relief supplies to help more than 50,000 people displaced by religious riots in the city of Kaduna in February. Many churches in the state of Kaduna have turned their compounds into rehabilitation centers as well and are assisting orphans and others left homeless by the fighting.

Nigeria’s Muslim states approve dialogue on Sharia

NIGERIA, 4 April 2000 (Newsroom) — Northern state governors in Nigeria have approved the formation of a committee of Muslims and Christians to dialogue on aspects of the controversial Sharia, or Islamic law, which was implemented by several states earlier this year.

International Aid Sending Medicine, Food to Mozambique

SPRING LAKE, Michigan (Wednesday, March 15, 2000) — “There are over 300,000 still in refugee camps in Mozambique, almost 2,000 still stranded in isolated pockets and the death total could climb into the thousands. Almost 150 schools have been destroyed. There are many reports of malaria and some cholera. When the floods started there was an initial report of 300 cases of malaria in one camp, but today it has jumped to 4,905. There could be an epidemic of malaria.

Army sent to quell religious conflict in northern Nigeria

KADUNA, Nigeria, 22 February 2000 (Newsroom) – The Nigerian government dispatched soldiers early Tuesday to help state police quell riots between Christians and Muslims over the proposed implementation of Islamic law. More than 20 people have been reported killed since Monday morning.

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