Nigeria: Christians in grip of fear

Following the shocking attacks in Kano, northern Nigeria, on 20 January in which over 160 people were killed, both Muslim and Christian residents of the city have been urged to pray.

Attacks by militant Islamist group Boko Haram have been responsible for the deaths of over 50 Christians since the beginning of January, a local Open Doors team has confirmed.

Boko Haram's vow to 'cleanse the north of Christianity' has kept Christians in northern Nigeria in the grip of uncertainty.  A short cell phone text message, circulated to warn Christians that more attacks would follow, has caused much fear. In a recent video posted on YouTube, the sect leader declared their attacks to be 'reprisals' for alleged earlier violence by Christians against Muslims.

In reaction, the government has called on Christians not to be alarmed by the threats of Boko Haram, assuring them of protection. Many church leaders have joined the president in calling for calm, urging members to remain in prayer. However, the leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor, has told Christians to take appropriate action to protect themselves. "We have the legitimate right to defend ourselves," he has said. "We will do whatever it takes."

Open Doors teams ask for prayer

This atmosphere of fear and mistrust across the north complicates the work for Open Doors teams, who need much wisdom and discernment. At the end of last year, several Open Doors training sessions were disrupted by Boko Haram activities. Two participants at a training seminar in Maiduguri were gunned down by Boko Haram members after returning home. One of them was a pastor of the local Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) congregation.

The Open Doors team is responding by prioritising the needs of Christians who are not receiving any assistance from the government; the most urgent needs are among the large number of Christians from Potiskum and Damaturu in Yobe state who have fled to Nassarawa. Christians in Kano and Katsina say they have nowhere to go, so have stayed put; the team is investigating their needs.

Open Doors workers have asked for concerted prayer as they work to meet the most urgent needs. If staff teams are caught up in the violence, this will complicate the provision of assistance even further.

BBC News: Nigeria violence - Scores dead after Kano blasts

Please pray:

1. For comfort and healing for those affected by the violence. Pray that Christians would have the wisdom to show restraint and the grace to forgive. 
2. For protection and courage for Open Doors workers as they move around the region to encourage and assist affected Christians.
3. For wisdom for the government in clamping down on the perpetrators of the violence, and that those responsible for the bloodshed will be arrested and brought to justice. 

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 »