‘We have become prey and sport. We have become like the northern Kingdom of Israel in the hands of the Assyrians… And yet I will hope in the Lord.’ These words were spoken by Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, Anglican Archbishop of Jos, following an outbreak of violence last autumn in Plateau State. It began when gunmen attacked and killed 14 Christians in a suburb of the capital, Jos. Some youth reportedly killed a Muslim youth in retaliation; five non-Muslims were killed in further retaliation. Meanwhile, we’re approaching the one-year
anniversary of the abduction of Leah Sharibu from her school in Dapchi in February 2018, along with 109 of her classmates. Leah, the only Christian, refused to convert in exchange for her freedom; she remains in captivity along with Alice Ngaddah, a Christian nurse abducted a month later.
Sunday 13 January
Pray for the survivors of the violence in Jos. Muslim as well as Christian communities have been affected, and there is mistrust and fear between them. Pray that God would comfort those who grieve, and that the Spirit of peace would heal the divisions.
Monday 14 January
Pray for the Adara nation of southern Kaduna who are mourning the abduction and murder of their paramount ruler, the Agom Adara Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima last October. In December the Kaduna state government allegedly abolished the chiefdom, causing great consternation. Pray for this decision to be overturned.
Tuesday 15 January
In 2018 a resurgent Boko Haram claimed the lives of many soldiers, with the al Barnawi faction killing over 70 in a single attack in Borno State and the Shekau faction attacking civilians in the capital Maiduguri. Meanwhile an Arabic-speaking militia has appeared in Sokoto State – a concerning development as this is not a local language. Pray for soldiers to receive adequate weaponry, and for the defeat of every insurgency.
Wednesday 16 January
Next month Nigeria will hold a general election. Recent state elections have been marred by violence, attempts to intimidate voters, and accusations of voter fraud. Pray for peace to reign over the whole country before, during and after the election, and that the defeated candidate would concede peacefully.
Thursday 17 January
Pray today for renewed strength for Leah as she approaches one year in captivity. Her courage in the face of this ordeal is truly extraordinary. Pray for Leah and Alice’s safety and release, and for comfort for Leah’s parents, Nathan and Rebecca, and her brother Donald; and for Alice’s husband and children.
Friday 18 January
Today, pray for Reverend Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of CSW’s Nigeria office. Not only does he lead the CSW team, based in Kaduna, but he’s also General Secretary of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) denomination. Thank God for his commitment and courage, and pray that God will continue to honour and bless him and his family richly.
Saturday 19 January
Lord of all, you see the pain and suffering across Nigeria. You know each victim and you grieve with the survivors. We ask you to intervene to bring peace, justice and freedom to all communities, no matter what their beliefs, throughout the country; and to break every cycle of violence. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.