Religious freedom violations have been taking place in northern Nigeria for decades. Since 2015 the situation for ethno-religious minorities in central Nigeria has deteriorated significantly, and during the first quarter of 2018 CSW documented 106 attacks on communities in this region, claiming a total of 1,061 lives. Although the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief to all citizens, these rights continue to be widely and regularly violated in shari\u2019a states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday 29 September<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between 9 February and 16 March 2019, at least 130 people were killed in Kajuru in a series of attacks by militia from the Fulani tribe on communities in the Adara chiefdom of southern Kaduna state, with 12,480 displaced between February and April. Pray for protection for the communities still recovering from the attacks, and for comfort for all those mourning their loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monday 30 September<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easter was marred by violence. On Palm Sunday, 17 people were killed in a militia attack on a baby dedication service nin Nasarawa State. On Good Friday, a British aid worker was one of two people murdered by kidnappers who attacked their hotel and abducted several people in Kajuru, Kaduna State. On Easter Monday the annual Boys Brigade march in Gombe State was rammed by a security officer, killing 8 and injuring 37. Pray for comfort for all who are mourning, for an end to every source of violence and for reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuesday 1 October<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A proliferation of small arms has caused a rise in general lawlessness. Insecurity has increased with kidnappings for ransom rising across the nation. As Nigeria celebrates its Independence Day today, pray the following verse over all who fear for their safety daily: \u2018Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.\u2019 Psalm 59:1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wednesday 2 October<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In shari\u2019a states, non-Muslim girls are often prevented from continuing their education as a result of abduction by local men, forcible conversion and forced marriage. Pray today that state authorities would make every effort to secure the return of abductees to their parents and bring perpetrators to justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thursday 3 October<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since February 2018, Christian schoolgirl Leah Sharibu has been held by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists for refusing to renounce her faith. On 14 May, CSW supporters gathered outside the Nigerian High Commission to mark her 16th birthday; this is the third protest for Leah we have organised. Pray that the hearts of the Nigerian authorities would be softened, and that they would act to secure Leah\u2019s immediate release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday 4 October<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In February 2019 the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered the Nigerian government to investigate the 2016 Fulani militia attacks in Benue State in which around 500 people died, to prosecute the perpetrators and to compensate the victims. Thank God for this ruling, and pray that the government would enact it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday 5 October<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almighty Father, we pray today for an end to all religiously-motivated violence in Nigeria. We pray for those carrying out the attacks, that they might undergo a profound change of heart. And we pray that Nigerians of all faiths might live together in harmony, and have the freedom to practise their faith without fearing the repercussions. Amen.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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