Some of our advocates met with Joseph* on a recent visit to Nigeria. At first they hardly recognised him, but soon realised that he had taken part in CSW training workshops on trauma and self-care a year earlier. Yet now he seemed completely different!
Before, Joseph had spoken in a whisper and struggled to hold eye contact due to the trauma he experienced when he was abducted for ransom by Fulani assailants. Now he was a smiling young man, and it was clear even from the outside the difference that had been made in his life. May Joseph’s story fill us with hope and faith that healing is possible for many others like him in Nigeria.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria
Sunday 12 May
Give thanks for the ways our psychosocial workshops have helped people in Nigeria, including the transformation seen in Joseph’s life. More training will be taking place later this year, so please pray that every participant living with trauma will be equipped, supported, and filled with hope for a brighter future.
Monday 13 May
Within the first two weeks of 2024 alone, there were at least 230 incidents of abduction for ransom – most of which involved multiple victims. Then in March, 287 school children were kidnapped in Kaduna State. Pray that the government and security services would work intensely to tackle the rate of abduction, which is beyond concerning.
Tuesday 14 May
Today is the 21st birthday of Leah Sharibu. Leah has been held captive by ISWAP terrorists ever since she was abducted from her school over six years ago. Though the previous Nigerian administration promised to ensure her release, no progress has been made. Pray for renewed efforts to secure Leah’s freedom. Ask the Lord to draw near to her and her family today.
Wednesday 15 May
On Christmas Eve, at least 186 villagers lost their lives when Fulani militia attacked 25 Christian communities in Plateau State. The attacks were part of ongoing violence which began in April 2023 and continued into 2024. Ask God to comfort those who are grieving, provide support to those who also lost their homes or livelihoods, and bring an end to this violence.
Thursday 16 May
The Fulani militia is an armed group made up of men from this predominantly Muslim tribe. In 2014 the militia was named the fourth deadliest terrorist group in the world by the Global Terrorism Index. Pray for miraculous changes of heart in these individuals, and that vulnerable communities across Nigeria would be protected from further deadly attacks.
Friday 17 May
Fulani kidnappers are inhabiting the forests surrounding the federal capital, Abuja. They have attacked neighbourhoods, broken into homes and – in some instances – kidnapped entire families for ransom, including Muslims who are not from their ethnic group. Pray for urgent and effective action from the Nigerian government to address this lawlessness.
Saturday 18 May
In Amos 5:15 there is a call to ‘hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.’ Pray that the Lord would raise up leaders at every level who seek good, not evil. Ask God to instil justice in their hearts, and a passion to preserve freedom of religion or belief for all.
*name changed for security reasons