We support people who are beaten, tortured, laughed at, imprisoned, falsely accused, disowned, ignored and hated simply for following Jesus.
News / Thoughts
Updates, ideas, reflections and articles from Open Doors and our friends
Nigeria: Pray for recently kidnapped Christians
On 21 January, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked Piyemi village in Chibok, Nigeria. Several people were killed and 16 people (15 girls and one male) kidnapped. A church was destroyed and shops and houses looted.
A week earlier, on 15 January, ISWAP attacked the village of Kautikari. Three people were killed and four girls kidnapped. Two churches were destroyed.
Terrorists are becoming more sophisticated
“As the Boko Haram insurgents continue to surrender in their thousands, the ISWAP terrorists become more sophisticated, deadly and continue to increase in numbers,” says Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State Governor, speaking to members of the Senate Committee. “The ISWAP fighters are more sophisticated, educated, armed and brutal than the Boko Haram terrorists. As such, their operations are becoming more pronounced around the southern and extreme northern parts of Borno State.
Image: A rural Nigerian village
It is not yet known if any ransom has been demanded for the kidnapped girls. The story is, of course, sadly familiar to the parents and families of more than a hundred Chibok girls who are still missing after being abducted by Islamic militants Boko Haram in April 2014. The town where this abduction occurred is only about 20km from the two villages where these recent kidnappings took place.
Nigeria is number seven on the Open Doors World Watch List 2022 – rising two places since last year – more Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria, than any other place in 2021. Please join us in praying for peace and the release of those who have been kidnapped.
Pray now…
- For the safe and imminent release of all held captive, and healing for those hurting
- That Christians in Chibok will have courage, strength and hope amidst suffering
- For the government as they seek to effectively address escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
Find out more: Get our free glow-in-the-dark World Watch List map and tattoo
We want to help you pray to bring light into the darkness, so we’ve created an awesome new map with stories, actions and prayer points. It also glows in the dark and comes with a glow-in-the-dark tattoo which will help to remind you to keep praying for God’s light to shine in the darkest places. We’ve also got a youth session outline for leaders to use alongside the map too.
We support people who are beaten, tortured,
imprisoned, falsely accused, and hated simply for following Jesus.
