Nigeria (MNN) — This week’s latest attack on believers in Nigeria left 42 dead and dozens of homes razed. World Mission’s Greg Kelley says, “Christian villages are being wiped off the map, particularly in northern Nigeria.” Recent reports show that terrorists have killed more than 50,000 believers since 2009. Over a thousand Christians were killed between January and April this year, claims the Nigeria-based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety).
“The leaders we work with in Nigeria are worn out [and] fed up. They were really [hoping] this last election would be someone who would come in and create some accountability, and that didn’t happen,” Kelley says.
“The President has been ignoring the situation (violence and persecution) over the last ten years. As a result, people don’t feel safe at all.”
World Mission partners with local churches to reach Nigeria’s unreached people with the Gospel. Connect with World Mission here to send solar-powered audio Bibles called Treasures in Nigerian languages.
President-elect Bola Tinubu will succeed the current Nigerian ruler, Muhammadu Buhari, on May 29. “There’s a lot of frustration among Christians; they’re not optimistic that anything will change. They are pleading for the world to be praying for them,” Kelley says.
“The government is trying to cater to key (Fulani) influencers; the Fulani have tremendous influence in the business community and throughout the government. [The government has] allowed them (the Fulani) to have their way without any consequence, and that’s been the real frustration for Christians.”
On May 30, Intersociety plans to unveil another report describing the “government’s failure to address attacks against Christians” under Buhari’s watch.
Additionally, the International Religious Freedom Report, released earlier this week, recommends a Country of Particular Concern designation for Nigeria. As explained here, CPC designations can influence U.S. policy toward a nation and individuals. The Biden administration removed Nigeria from the CPC list in 2021.
Ask the Lord to strengthen and sustain His people in Nigeria. Pray World Mission’s audio Bibles will open Nigerian hearts to God’s love and truth.
Header image courtesy of ©EC/ECHO/Anouk Delafortrie via Flickr.