Nigeria
Waves of violent attacks on Christians continue after Christmas Day bombing
Reports have just been received of a further fatal attack by gunmen on a church in north-east Nigeria in which at least six people are known to have died.
This comes only days after a suicide bombing on Christmas Day in St Theresa's Church in Madalla, Plateau State, by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. At least 45 Christians died and a further 73 were injured in the attack, 50 seriously.
Three of the dead were policemen on guard duty at the time of the attack but most of those who died were members of the church. The Rev. Joseph Akor explained, "The shock of the incident has been very traumatic for the people who were at the scene, and it is going to be difficult for them to recover from it - we are all still mourning."
Families have been torn apart. One widow who is a member of the church lost her only son. Another woman lost her husband and all their children in the attack. A small girl lost her parents. President Goodluck Jonathan has attempted to stem the violence by holding urgent meetings with Muslim and Christian leaders, and other spiritual and political leaders have condemned the attacks.
In December Kaduna state saw at least around 30 killed and dozens more injured in attacks by local Islamists on Christian communities. Asabe Bulus, the daughter of a murdered village leader, said "As Christians, we have been living peacefully with these Muslims and we do not understand why they should now attack us."
Open Doors is running an advocacy campaign to encourage supporters
to write to the Nigerian High Commissioner asking for justice for Christians
under attack in Plateau State.
Take part in the campaign now ยป
Source: BBC, Compass Direct News, Open Doors
Please pray:
1. For wisdom for President Goodluck Jonathan and the government of Nigeria, as they try to bring peace to the troubled region
2. For comfort for the children and family members traumatised as a result of the violence
3. That Christians will stand strong and be able to
forgive despite the provocation.
Source: Open Doors
