Christian Persecution

Nigeria #10 World Watch List

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Since about 2009, the nation of Nigeria has suffered steadily increasing violence and barbarism from attacks by Boko Haram, an Islamic terror group whose name means “Western education is sinful.” The group has bombed churches and kidnapped both children and adults. They frequently kidnap women and girls who are raped and sold into sexual slavery.

They have always been clear about their objective of creating an Islamic state within the boundaries of Nigeria, but fears of their plans are much increased after a statement by their leader Abubakar Shekau who said, “We announce our allegiance to the Caliph of the Muslims.” Shekau was referring to the caliphate, or Islamic State, that ISIS has been seeking to set up in parts of Iraq and Sryria.

Many analysts over the past few years have insisted that Boko Haram, while violent and supportive of Islam, was not powerful enough to be a threat the world at large should fear. An alliance between Boko Haram and ISIS changes the character of Boko Haram’s activities.

The Nigerian government postponed elections scheduled for February, and they are now rescheduled for this weekend, March 28. If anything interferes with the elections this time, Africa’s most populous nation will be adrift in a political storm that will risk the safety and security of all citizens. Most disturbing is the prospect that Boko Haram will optimize on the unrest surrounding the election to take control of additional territory in the embattled northern regions of Nigeria.

 AN AVERAGE OF 10 PEOPLE ARE KILLED DAILY BY THE ISLAMIC EXTREMIST GROUP BOKO HARAM IN NIGERIA.

 

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PRAY:

  • That the 200 girls of Chibok and the many others kidnapped by Boko Haram will be returned to their homes
  • That the thousands of Christians who have been displaced in northeastern Nigeria will be reunited with their families and receive relief help and trauma counseling from Open Doors workers
  • For the presidential election on March 28 to be conducted without violence

By Katherine Harms, author of Oceans of Love available for Kindle at Amazon.com.

Flag of NigeriaSource:http://www.all-flags-world.com/country-flag/Nigeria/national-nigerian-flag.php
Courtesy:All-Flags-World