This week Nigeria marks Independence Day on 1 October. As the nation celebrates 56 years of independence, it faces an immense humanitarian crisis. According to the UN, at least 17,000 people have died in terrorist-related violence since 2009, and 2.2 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

• Sunday 25 September
  

Many of the Chibok schoolgirls are still missing after being abducted by Boko Haram three years ago. Although one girl recently returned, many more are still missing: over 2,000 women and girls are thought tohave been abducted by Boko Haram. Many of them have been forcibly converted to Islam, and married against their will. Today, please pray for the girls and women who are still being held 

• Monday 26 September
  

Abduction of non-Muslim underage girls remains prevalent in Shari’a states.  Lucy was abducted five years ago and though she was quickly found at the home of an Islamic cleric, she has yet to be reunited with her parents. She is said to have been immediately converted to Islam and her name was changed. Her parents have been fighting hard to get her back despite receiving death threats, but recently they were told that Lucy has been forcibly married to her abductor. Please remember Lucy and others like her in your prayers today.

• Tuesday 27 September
  

Attacks by armed herdsmen are a constant threat. In May, one person was killed, and churches and homes were set on fire during an attack by armed Fulani herdsmen on Ninte Village in the southern part of Kaduna. In June, ECWA Pastor Rev Zakariyawas killed and dismembered during an attack in Nasarawa State. The herdsmen are determined to drive people off their land to use it for grazing and may also have terrorist links; however, the government is doing little to address this.  Pray for Divine protection for the communities under threat of attack. 

• Wednesday 28 September
  

We’re so thankful for our partners, CSW-Nigeria. Reverend Yunusa works tirelessly for religious freedom in Nigeria. He and his team support Christians who have experienced harassment or been the victims of violent attacks. He also pioneers inter-faith initiatives. Today, let’s pray for him, his family and others in CSW Nigeria as they go about their vital work.

• Thursday 29 September
  

Ekklesiar Yan’uwa (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, is the largest Christian denomination in the area regularly attacked by Boko Haram. Their president told us they had verified the deaths of over 8,000 church members in the north east before a sharp increase in violence forced them to flee in late 2014. The church is caring for 10,000 widows, many with children. Let’s pray for healing and restoration for the EYN and other denominations in the north east today.

• Friday 30 September
  

Boko Haram was recently declared to be deadlier than Daesh, and was responsible for 6,644 deaths in Nigeria during 2014. Let us ask God to bring Boko Haram’s campaign of violence to a definitive end so that they would no longer terrorise the region.

• Saturday 1 October
  

Loving Heavenly Father, on Nigerian Independence Day, we pray for the country of Nigeria. Please protect all who are at risk of violence.  Strengthen your people and give them peace and courage as they go about their lives.  Move powerfully to bring healing, reconciliation and restoration to Nigeria. Amen.