At least 10 believers killed in spate of devastating attacks in Nigeria

Your prayers are urgently needed following deadly attacks on predominantly Christian communities in northern Nigeria.

At least ten believers have been killed in a spate of devastating attacks on mostly Christian communities in Nigeria.

Since 22 December, attacks have been reported in seven communities in Chibok LGA (Local Government Area), based in Nigeria’s north east Borno State – Hirpaya, Bamzir, Njilan, Bambula, Shikarkir, Yimirmigze and Pemi.

Aside from those tragically killed, several have been wounded, and 12 churches have been damaged, looted or burnt. Many homes have also been targeted. In the most deadly attack, in Shikarkir on 20 January, eight people were killed and 57 homes destroyed.

Churches targeted

According to Open Doors field sources, Christian buildings were purposely targeted, and in each affected community a church was attacked. “The attackers burn down houses, food barns and whatever they find belonging to Christians, leaving those owned by Muslims,” said a source.

“They are only Christians… only Christians… even if there is a mosque, they don’t burn the mosque,” says Pastor Yarakawa Mutah, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Chibok. “They only burn Christian houses and churches.”

“It is unclear for now how many houses or churches,” he continues. “When they attacked on the 18th or 19th, it was from noon until 4pm, burning houses. If we could enter the place, we could tell how many houses were burnt.”

More than 4,000 people have been displaced by the horrific attacks, with many having lost homes and possessions, and there is fear of further attacks. Most of those who have fled are women and children. Some have fled to as far as the border with Cameroon.

“Everyone is looking for where to go,” adds Pastor Yarakawa. “They are all coming to Chibok to stay because most of their houses were burnt.”

Enticed to convert

Open Doors field sources say only three communities in Chibok LGA – which is 95% Christian –have not been attacked. There is immense fear among Christians, and it’s believed that converts from Muslim backgrounds, along with other new believers, are being enticed to convert to Islam to be safe from Boko Haram.

Open Doors local partners are planning on delivering emergency relief aid to 500 households in the area.

Nigeria is seventh on the latest World Watch List. Last year, 3,100 believers lost their lives for their faith – more than everywhere else in the world combined – and 100,000 were displaced from their homes. It’s a similar story across sub-Saharan Africa, with believers in many nations facing rising levels of violence by militants.

These latest attacks reinforce the importance of our ongoing Arise Africa campaign, which includes a petition calling upon the global community to ensure that Christians and other vulnerable individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are treated with dignity and respect through protection, justice and restoration. If you’ve yet to already, could you sign it? And above all, please continue to pray.