NIGERIA: Christians Killed and Displaced by Boko Haram

Bulletin Date: 11 December 2013

Nigeria

The Gwoza Christian community in southern Borno state has faced increased attacks from Boko Haram insurgents in recent months. Thousands have fled to refugee camps established near the Cameroon border.

As of May 2013, more than 60 Christians had been killed and thousands displaced from many villages in the Gwoza community. About 55 churches and 541 houses have been burned or destroyed. In addition, 180 houses have been vandalized, and some are now occupied by the insurgents. Most concerning is the plight of those who witnessed the murders of their family members.

The Nigerian government has offered no relief materials to save the dying children in refugee camps and has offered no compensation to the destroyed churches. Children suffer from malnutrition and disease, while
many adults suffer from peptic ulcers, high blood pressure and premature death due to repeated attacks on their villages by the insurgents.

Voice Of the Martyrs Sources

Please Pray!

• Pray for the Christians who have lost their loved ones, homes, churches and livelihoods.
• Pray that the government will step in and provide relief.
• Pray for the demise of Boko Haram and that its members will experience God's saving grace.

"Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust." Ps. 16:1

VOM staff are caring for some of the victims of these recent attacks. VOM also assists hundreds of pastors in Nigeria and also provides food, clothing and medical aid to Nigerian Christians who are attacked.

Borno State - Nigeria

NIGERIA: Christian Killed by Boko Haram Militants

Bulletin Date: 5 November 2013

On Sept. 24, Boko Haram militants surrounded the home of 60-year-old Sunday Luka in Gwoza (Borno State) and set his house on fire. Luka died of smoke inhalation inside the burning house.

About three months earlier, Luka and his 14-year-old son fled their home in Gwoza after receiving death threats from Boko Haram. A pastor in Adamawa state provided refuge for Luka, his son and another refugee from Gwoza while Luka looked for a safer place to relocate his family.

On Sept. 23, Luka returned to Gwoza to share food and funds that he had received from Voice Of the Martyrs with his family. The following morning, members of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram burned down the house with Luka inside.

VOM Sources

Please Pray!

Please pray for Sunday Luka's family in their time of grief and loss. Pray that Boko Haram will be uprooted from Nigeria and that a spirit of peace will reign in their place.

"And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." Romans 16:20

VOM assists hundreds of pastors in Nigeria and also provides food, clothing and medical aid to Nigerian Christians who are attacked.