'It looks like the life of common man does not matter in Nigeria...' - Reverend Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of CSW-Nigeria.
We receive reports of attacks by armed groups in Nigeria’s northern and central states on an almost daily basis. Similar incidents are now occurring in the south of the country. Tens of thousands have been killed and even more have been displaced, and there has been a marked rise in abductions for ransom.
During a visit to Nigeria in November 2022, CSW met with deeply traumatised people in southern Kaduna state. Some were victims themselves of abduction or attacks; some had lost loved ones; some had had loved ones kidnapped, and were having to negotiate ransoms in daily calls from their ruthless captors.
Nigeria’s presidential and parliamentary elections on 25 February were marred by multiple irregularities, including significant discrepancies between the counts announced by the electoral commission, and those captured on camera at polling stations. The opposition parties are challenging the outcome in court.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria
Sunday 12 March
Pray Psalm 10:17-18 (ESV) over Nigeria today, asking God for justice and righteousness to prevail in the nation.
Monday 13 March
Ask God to strengthen, bless and protect our colleagues at CSW-Nigeria today, including the state coordinators and volunteers. Ask him to give them wisdom as they continue to speak out for freedom of religion or belief for all, and bring hope to vulnerable communities and individuals.
Tuesday 14 March
Pray for physical, mental and emotional healing for former abductees across the country who were held in camps where arbitrary killings, assaults, rape and torture are rife. Pray for comfort for families whose loved ones were killed – often despite a ransom payment – and for deliverance for all still in captivity.
Wednesday 15 March
‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ (Psalm 34:18). Pray that this would be true for the communities in northern and central Nigeria who are hurting today.
Thursday 16 March
Leah Sharibu was abducted over five years ago from her school by IS-affiliated terrorists. The 19-year-old is still held captive after refusing to renounce her Christian faith. Pray for renewed efforts to secure Leah’s freedom, along with everyone else held by terrorists.
Friday 17 March
As Nigeria votes in the delayed gubernatorial and state elections tomorrow, pray against voter suppression, for a peaceful process, and that the irregularities witnessed during the presidential elections do not occur again.
Saturday 18 March
Father God, deliver Nigeria from the hands of those who are set on violence. Release the captives, protect the vulnerable, raise up peacemakers, and stir the international community to respond decisively to the many injustices taking place in the country today. Amen.