On Sunday, May 7, Fulani militants attacked and kidnapped worshippers from the Bege Baptist Church in Kaduna state, Nigeria.
The violent attack happened while believers gathered for Sunday worship. One of the congregants our field partners interviewed, shared that the attack was a living nightmare, “the Fulani militants came in their numbers and operated unhindered because they were wielding automatic weapons”.
The militants kidnapped at least 40 people from the church. However, reports indicate that since the attack, 24 people have been able to escape. As of writing, 16 people remain in captivity: 4 men, 4 women, and 8 children. Thus far there have been no demands made.
The Bege Baptist Church is situated in Madala village, in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State.
In the northwest of Nigeria, it is sadly common for Fulani militants to violently attack, kidnap and then demand ransom from families, and religious minorities make easy targets. Those who are kidnapped are usually subjected to emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and when families try to assemble a ransom it often impoverishes them.
Increasing violent attacks in Sub-Saharan Africa are weakening the church. An Open Doors’ spokesperson for the work in Sub-Saharan Africa said “This latest attack on Christians in Nigeria underscores the crushing violence the Church is up against. We condemn this attack in the strongest terms possible and call on the Nigerian government to take a strong stance against all violence, bring perpetrators to book, and fulfil their obligation to protect all citizens. We ask the wider Body of Christ to join us in fervent and earnest prayer, especially as we are in the middle of a week of prayer for Africa and the situation the Church in Nigeria and the wider Sahel is facing.”
Pray
- Please pray for the protection of those that have been kidnapped. Pray that they will experience the presence of God’s Spirit and that they will encourage each other, and that they would soon be freed.
- Pray that God will intervene in the situation of the Christians in the northern Nigeria and bring an end to the suffering of His children.
- Pray for the church leaders that must minister and lead traumatized believers that cry out and ask ‘how long?’ (Psalm 79) Pray that they will care for believers with a deep love, grace and commitment.