Nigeria’s general election in March was a significant moment. The last election was marked by an appalling outbreak of violence which targeted Christians in the north. This time the election took place relatively peacefully; but Nigeria’s troubles are far from over.

Boko Haram has been terrorising the country for years. The Islamist terror group doesn’t hesitate to kill anyone who disagrees with their ideology – Muslims as well as Christians. The death toll has risen into the tens of thousands. They’ve pledged allegiance to Daesh (Islamic State), but we’re giving thanks for recent military successes which have driven Boko Haram back into their hiding places in the Sambisa Forest.

CSW-Nigeria is on the ground, visiting villages which have been attacked and offering practical support and spiritual solidarity to the victims. Meanwhile we’re briefing politicians around the world on Boko Haram attacks, and making policy recommendations to fight the ‘many-headed hydra’ of Islamist terrorism that is devastating much of Africa and the Middle East.

This week please:

• Thank God that the election in March took place in relative peace;
• Pray that Nigeria would have the courage to address any voting irregularities in future elections, including underage voters;
• Ask God to comfort and strengthen the family of a pastor’s daughter who died when a mob torched a Baptist manse in early April;
• Pray that God would open doors for our Africa and Middle East advocacy team, as they meet influential decision-makers who have the power to make change;
• Thank God for the incredible work done by CSW-Nigeria, often at great personal risk, to support victims of violence and build peace between communities, and pray for their protection;
• Thank God for the progress made by the Nigerian army to drive back Boko Haram, and pray that these gains would continue until the group is defeated;
• Pray for the safe release of kidnapped victims of Boko Haram, including the Chibok girls whose abduction made the headlines last year.