‘More must be done to address Nigeria’s security vacuum, to stem the staggering loss of life across the nation, and to assist, compensate and rehabilitate victims of violence.’
These remarks were made by Mervyn Thomas, CSW’s Founder President, following a string of deadly attacks in Kaduna state in December 2020. The right to freedom of religion or belief continues to be violated regularly, amid a general deterioration in security that is impacting every community in the country. Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria
Sunday 30 May
Pray for Professor Tarfa, the co-founder of Du Merci orphanage in Kano state, who’s been falsely accused of child abduction, and whose case resumes on 1 June. Five children aged between four and eight have been transferred to remote locations. Pray that all charges against the professor would be dropped at the hearing, and that all the children would be returned immediately to the only parents they’ve ever known.
Monday 31 May
The Gbagyi community in the Chikun LGA had to pay over N3 million (approximately £5,600) to Fulani militia to be able to harvest their crops and enjoy a peaceful Christmas last year. Pray for the protection of church leaders and vulnerable communities, and an end to militia attacks.
Tuesday 1 June
Pray today for comfort for the wife and children of Pastor Kabiru Babangida, a convert to Christianity who was abducted and hacked to death in December in Niger state, by assailants who had initially demanded money for his ransom. Pray also for the family of the traditional leader of Godogodo in Kaduna, Yohanna Abu, who was murdered by a gang of kidnappers in January.
Wednesday 2 June
As violence by armed Fulani assailants continues to rise in southern Nigerian states, including abductions of Christians during services, pray for justice and for an end to the expansion of this deadly armed group.
Thursday 3 June
The release of 344 boys abducted from their school in Katsina state by a group linked to Boko Haram, was followed almost immediately by the rescue of 113 Qur’anic students abducted as they returned from a religious ceremony. However, 17 students abducted in April from Greenfield University in Kaduna remain in the hands of assailants with terrorist links who have already murdered five of their colleagues. Pray for their safe release and an effective action to end these abductions.
Friday 4 June
Pray for the safety and release of Mubarak Bala, a humanist who has been imprisoned in Kano without any formal charge or prosecution since April 2020.
Saturday 5 June
God of mercy and justice, we cry out to you for the nation of Nigeria. Bring a miraculous end to the violence that has swept across the country and has endured for far too long. Comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who live in fear, and release all who are detained unjustly. Fill the land with your love and your peace, we pray. Amen.