Sunday 5 April

Happy Easter! Praise God for his glorious victory and endless grace – a joy we share with Christians in Nigeria and all over the world. Ask him to guard everyone gathering to worship the risen Lord Jesus today.

Monday 6 April

As we celebrate the freedom Christ won for us at Easter, we remember those in Nigeria whose freedom has been taken away, for example because they are unjustly imprisoned or abducted for ransom, forced marriage, or slavery. Ask God to set the captives free.

Tuesday 7 April

At the end of November, President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in Nigeria. This came after a surge in mass abductions, including of 303 children and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Niger State. Give thanks that the crisis was finally acknowledged at the highest level. Pray that words will be turned into consistent, effective action that protects the most vulnerable.

Wednesday 8 April

Also in November, President Tinubu called for increased recruitment into the armed services. Earlier, however, names of known Boko Haram members and other criminals were found in a shortlist cleared for employment in security services. Pray for the exposure and arrest of all terrorist sympathisers and funders in government, the security services or any other significant positions.

Thursday 9 April

Christian leaders, their families and congregations are frequently abducted for ransom. In Kwara State, Rev James Audu was killed even after his captors received the agreed ransom. In Kaduna State, The Venerable Edwin Achi was killed when a ransom was not raised quickly enough. May God comfort all who mourn or wait in uncertainty.

Friday 10 April

Ask God to strengthen and protect congregations in Nigeria, such as Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. Video footage captured the terrifying moment when Fulani militia interrupted a service on 18 November. Five people were killed and 38 abducted, who were later released.

Saturday 11 April

Pray today for an independent international investigation into the violence in central and northwestern Nigeria. Pray also that the international media will report accurately and consistently, taking care to neither minimise nor sensationalise the religious element of the violence.

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