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Persecution News - Nigeria

Nigeria Profile

Total Area:
923,768 sq. km

Population:
138,283,240 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Nigeria is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Language:
English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani

Religion:
Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, Indigenous Beliefs 10%

Government Type:
Federal republic

Capital:
Abuja

Population Below Poverty Line:
70% (2007 est.)

Country Reports

Teenage Girls Kidnapped By Muslims; Rescue Incites Rampage

May 21, 2008

^{Photos from}^{Compass Direct}

On May 12, the police rescued two Christian girls, Mary Chikwodi Okoye (15) and Uche Edward (14), who were kidnapped by Muslim militants three weeks ago in the town of Ningi, Bauchi state, according to a May 19 report from Compass Direct. The kidnappers initially took the girls to the house of a Muslim leader in the town of Wudil. Okoye's foster father and a group of believers heard where the girls were being held. When they arrived at the home, however, the girls had been relocated to the residence of a Muslim leader in Ningi. When the team went to this home they were told by the leader that the girls had converted to Islam and could not be released. The police then stepped in and evacuated the girls to eastern Nigeria where they were reunited with their biological parents.

The following day, Muslims associated with a paramilitary arm of Kano state's Sharia Commission went on a rampage, attacking Christians and setting fire to local churches, in protest of the girls' release. Six church buildings -- the Deeper Life Bible Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church, All Souls Anglican Church, Church of Christ in Nigeria, Redeemed Christian Church of God, and the Redeemed Peoples Mission -- were destroyed in the attack. The Muslims also attacked shops belonging to Okoye's foster father, looting and destroying goods worth over 50 million naira ($430,360 CAD).

Thank the Lord that Mary and Uche were safely released. Ask God to strengthen those affected by the mob attack to remain steadfast as they suffer (Revelation 2:10). Pray that young Christian girls in Nigeria who have been kidnapped by Muslims will remain strong in faith and be freed.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

Go to www.persecution.tv for a preview of VOMC's new DVD, "Nigerian Voices: Testimonies of the Persecuted."