Countless terrorist attacks in Nigerias central and northern states, often on largely Christian areas, have resulted in a situation where Christians live in almost daily fear of violence.

The increasing effectiveness of the state of emergency in Borno and Yobe has forced Boko Haram to adopt new tactics, focusing on soft targets such as rural communities, highways and schools. January 2014 saw a surge in attacks both by Boko Haram and Fulani herders, and by mid March the death toll in these combined attacks was approaching the 1,000 mark.

Over the Easter period, please:

• Pray that churches in Nigeria’s central and northern states may be able to celebrate Easter free from the fear of violence;
• Pray that the villagers who have fled Boko Haram’s attacks would be able to return to their homes;
• Pray for protection for all those in northern Nigeria who have been targeted by Boko Haram;
• Ask God to give wisdom to federal and state governments in Nigeria as they work to contain the group;
• Thank God that the US government designated Boko Haram and Ansaru as terrorist groups, and pray Nigeria receives all possible assistance to tackle terrorism from the international community, and particularly from neighbouring countries;
• Pray for a change of heart for the members of Boko Haram and Ansaru, that they would stop attacking innocent citizens. Pray also for an end to violence from ’Fulani herders’;
• Pray for the families of those killed during terrorist attacks this year.