Religion-related violence continues to tear apart northern Nigeria. Last year thousands of lives were lost, hundreds were abducted and tens of thousands of people were displaced by both the Islamist terror organisation Boko Haram and well-armed herders. With elections taking place this week, there are concerns of a recurrence of the deadly sectarian violence that broke out in the north following the 2011 presidential elections.

This week, please:

• Cry out to God for enduring peace in Nigeria and for him to hold back the hands of those who seek to commit violence;
• Ask for God’s mercy upon Nigeria and for wisdom for its political and community leaders;
• Ask God to change the hearts of Boko Haram, its offshoots and the herders, so that they embrace peace;
• Pray that those who have been displaced by Boko Haram’s attacks would be able to return to their homes;
• Pray that CSW’s advocacy work with the UN and EU will help in shaping appropriate responses to events in Nigeria;
• Ask God to give wisdom to the electorate as they vote and for unity and peace across the country once the results have been announced.
• Pray against any increase in violence during or after the elections this week;