“This house is a ministry God has given to me, to encourage other widows to hold on to God.”
– Martina*, whose husband was killed by extremists
Persecution in Nigeria is brutally violent. In much of northern Nigeria, Christians live under constant threat and are specifically targeted because of their faith. Extremist groups like Boko Haram want to eliminate the Christian presence in Nigeria, and Muslim Fulani extremists specifically attack Christian villages.
Christians in some of Nigeria’s northern states also live under Sharia (Islamic) law, where they face discrimination and are treated as second-class citizens.
In many ways, vulnerability depends on where a Christian lives. Remote villages in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region are at risk of attacks from Fulani militants. And in the northeast, any community of believers is at risk of attack from Boko Haram.
Because of the violence, thousands of Christians are forced to live in camps for internally displaced people (IDPs). Many have lost their homes and loved ones, and are now refugees within their own country. Women and girls are even more vulnerable.
– Pray that President Buhari and state governors will work to find lasting solutions for peace.
– Pray for healing from the high level of trauma that men, women, and children face.
– Pray for protection and wisdom for our local partners who travel and risk attack or abduction.
