Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed 10 Christians in three villages in Plateau State last week in what authorities called cattle-rustling. A visit to the home where eight were killed revealed the presence of no cows. A state official was quick to deny the attack was rooted in the ethno-religious violence that has convulsed the State. Military officials asserted that security forces recovered 20 cows and killed five of the rustlers in thwarting an attempted theft. However a news reporter found no evidence of cattle ownership there. Fulani Muslims also attacked the villages of Zatsitsa-Kudeson and Chehwyanang killing two Christians.

Pray: that the Muslim Fulani herdsmen attacking Christians will be brought to account for their crimes against the innocent. Pray also for accurate and unbiased reporting by the government, and all in position of authority. (Ps.90:15-17)

More: http://morningstarnews.org/2013/10/officials-in-nigeria-try-to-portray-slaughter-of-christian-family-as-cattle-theft/

In the traditional Church calendar All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the month of November are set apart to remember the saints and the souls of departed Christians. The modern Church has set apart November 3-10 to remember and pray for the persecuted Church during the international days of prayer for the persecuted Church’ (IDOP). November 3rd is the day set apart in the UK and Ireland, however individuals are free to choose another date if they wish. Believers in Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam face violence, imprisonment and even death because of their faith in Jesus Christ. In North Korea hidden acts of persecution take place. 2013’s focus includes Indian Christians suffering increasing persecution by militants wanting a Hindu-only nation. We can pray that this year many thousands will stand alongside the persecuted Church praying that they will be able to stand firm and to continue making known the mystery of the Gospel to their neighbours.

Pray: for God to strengthen, encourage and protect those Christians living in places where faith costs the most. (Ro.1:16)

More: http://www.idop.org/

Although international Labour Organisation data shows a fall in child labour since 2000 critics say the number of working children remains unacceptable. Protecting children from hazardous work and long hours remains a major challenge, with families in poor countries such as Bangladesh heavily reliant on the income they get from sending children to work. There are 168 million children working in situations that fit the ILO definition of child labour. That is "work undertaken by children below the appropriate legal minimum working age", based on its minimum age convention. In Nigeria Child labour is rampant in the gold and mineral mines. More than ten years after Nigeria passed a law banning child labour the International Labour Organisation says there are still fifteen million children working in the country. The plight of children working in Nigeria's mines is especially harsh but for many the paycheck is worth the pain. The children work for a dollar a day to support their families. See also http://www.win1040.com/video.php?clip=Child_Slavery

Pray: for the continued development of successful initiatives to put an end to child ‘recruits’ in terrorist armies, children forced into brothels, child labour in factories, farming and mining. (Ps.10:12)

More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/10/child-labour-rampant-nigerian-mines-20131086554982259.html

Last Sunday Boko Haram attacked the College of Agriculture in a dawn raid. Innocent pupils were gunned down in cold blood while still in their beds. Amnesty International stated that the attacks on schools had become more vicious and brutal since the beginning of 2013. Several trucks of soldiers have moved into the area and soldiers are also fighting the insurgents at one border community between Borno and Yobe states where the terrorists burnt a Dangote truck and killed seven people. Military officials confirmed that fighting is still going on between the terrorists and the men of the Joint Task Force in a forest area between Yobe and Borno states where the terrorists were sighted. Trade union, religious and traditional institutions are calling political and opinion leaders in the northeast to intervene urgently to end the cycle of barbaric violence by the sect.

Pray: for all in authority throughout Nigeria to be empowered with God’s wisdom and discernment, covered with His protection and enabled to overcome the evil attacking the country at this time. (Ro.12:21)

More: http://www.nigerianwatch.com/news/2680-death-toll-from-boko-haram-college-massacre-rises-to-90-as-bodies-found-in-the-bush#sthash.3r4D7k7U.dpuf

The Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethse mane, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, the Church of the Annunciation, and the Church of Dominus Flevit (where Jesus wept) were visited by President Goodluck Jonathan over the weekend as he and eight Nigerian governors made a Holy Land pilgrimage. President Jonathan made the trip to pray for peace between Nigeria's Christians and Muslims and to sign agreements with Israeli leaders regarding in ternational flights and other matters. At a prayer service in Jerusalem for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims he said, ‘This is the first time the pilgrimage has taken this shape. I believe we will continue in this spirit. Let me reassure you even though we are passing through challenging periods that God has made it possible for us to be here. Even in the Scripture we've seen the many battles the Jews fought. But because of their zealand commitments, God has kept them.’

Pray: for the Lord to walk with and support Nigerian leaders as they face overwhelming challenges. (Ps.23:4)

More: http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2013/october/nigeria-president-israel-pilgrimage-jonathan-goodluck.html

As many as 50 people have been killed after suspected Islamist gunmen fired on students as they slept at a college in northeast Nigeria.

The attackers reportedly stormed a dormitory and set fire to classrooms in the assault which happened about 1am local time on Sunday in the town of Gujba in Yobe state.

Nigeria's military is blaming militants from the Boko Haram insurgent group for the atrocity at the College of Agriculture.

College provost Molima Idi Mato said security forces were still recovering bodies so he could not give an exact number of dead but said up to 50 had been killed.

He also said about 1,000 students had fled the scene.

There were no security forces stationed at the college despite government assurances, said Mr Mato.  Two weeks ago, state commission for education Mohammmed Lamin urged all schools to reopen and promising protection by soldiers and police.

Northeast Nigeria is in a military state of emergency following an Islamic uprising by Boko Haram militants who have killed more than 1,700 people since 2010 in their quest for an Islamic state.

The name Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" and the group has repeatedly attacked schools, universities and colleges during its four-year insurgency.

Boko Haram has said it is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north, but the group is believed to be made up of different factions with varying aims.

Pray: for God to comfort those who mourn and to bless those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness.(Mat.5:3-10)

More: http://news.sky.com/story/1147882/nigeria-college-attacked-up-to-50-killed

NIGERIA: At least 160 dead this week in terrorist related violence At least 160 people have died in terrorist related violence this week in Nigeria's Yobe and Borno States. According to a news release from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), on the evening of 18 Sept, Boko Haram members armed with Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers and homemade bombs are reported to have stormed Yadi Buni Town in Yobe State. They set fire to the local government headquarters and the home of the divisional police head, whose wife was burned to death inside the building. The son of the Yobe Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) youth leader is also said to have been killed, while one soldier and nine sect members died in an ensuing shootout. On 17 Sept, 143 commuters were killed and several abducted when well armed Boko Haram gunmen ambushed vehicles along the busy Maiduguri to Damaturu Express Way in the early evening. Travellers were reportedly asked to produce their ID cards, then lined up and shot.

Pray: that ways will be found to bring about an end to the hostilities and peace to this troubled nation. (Ps.7:9)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/at.least.160.dead.in.nigeria.this.week.in.terrorist.related.violence/34076.htm

Five Christians were shot dead near Jos, Plateau State, on 29 August by Muslim gunmen, who had stopped the bus they were travelling in and separated them from the other passengers. They found out who among them were Christians and forced the five to lie down in a ditch. At this point, another Christian man became embroiled in the scene when the Islamists stopped his motorbike. He said: The gunmen asked me about my religion, and when I told them I was a Christian, they asked me to join a group of people already ordered to lie down by the side of the road. It was when the gunmen started shooting and killing those of us that were Christians grouped together that I ran into a nearby maize farm, because it was already dark. Four other Christians, including a pregnant woman, were injured in the attack.

Pray: for God’s people that they will be protected and their enemies will be held back. (Ps.68:1)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/kidnapped.nigerian.archbishop.freed/33990.htm

The Dean of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, was abducted at about 10.30pm on Friday, as he journeyed in the company of his wife, Beatrice, from Eleme to Port Harcourt. It was gathered that the abductors later freed the bishop's wife following a chase by the police. The Bishop was taken to an unknown destination. ‘It was the hot pursuit by the police that forced the kidnappers to abandon the wife. The police are still combing the axis. Very soon, he will be secured unhurt. I mean very soon. I believe God will assist us and we will rescue him.’ A senior member of the Anglican Church said no contact has been established with the suspects, adding that the whereabouts of the bishop remain unknown. As at press time, no ransom demand has been made by the abductors. Church members said they are praying for the victim’s unconditional release and would not think of paying any ransom.

Pray: that Archbishop Kattey will be unharmed and released soon. (Ps.146:7)

More: http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/national-news/132213-anglican-bishop-kidnapped-in-rivers

Boko Haram’s name means ‘Western education is sacrilege.’ They recently kidnapped three teachers at a school in Benin City, the fifth school attack since June. They killed 48 students and 7 teachers in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno. In Yobe a school was set on fire while students aged 10-15 slept. Anyone trying to escape was shot. At Mamudo terrorists killed 22 students and a teacher. At Adanu students were lined up, stripped, made to lie face down and shot. Then the bodies were burnt. Boko Haram wants to reinstate a 19th century caliphate - believing secular schooling has brainwashed Nigerians to accept post-colonial Western order and forget Islamic ways. Consequently, Yobe schools are now closed in response to the bloodshed, teachers and students across Nigeria have withdrawn from schools remaining open and one teacher (who possibly represents many) said she was not prepared to die for teaching and is looking for a new job.

Pray: for the Lord to demolish the demonic forces that are using Boko Haram to harm innocent children, teachers and the education system throughout Nigeria. (Dan.10:13)

More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/nigeria-state-closes-all-schools_n_3559417.html

At least 50 civilians were killed and dozens more injured in a series of weekend attacks in north-eastern Nigeria by Boko Haram. CSW reported 12 killed when Boko Haram members dressed in military and police uniforms attacked Ngom village in Borno State last Saturday. An unconfirmed report said 19 people from surrounding villages were also murdered on Sunday. Also on Sunday 46 worshippers in a mosque were killed and 30 injured. At the same time, other members of the group petrol bombed and destroyed 50 homes. This was Boko Haram's first large scale attack inside a mosque; the group had previously targeted individuals on their way to or from prayer. Meanwhile, due to a breach in communications there are now doubts over the widely reported Nigerian military's claim that Boko Haram’s chief was killed earlier this week. See http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/doubts-over-claims-of-boko-haram-chief-s-death-in-nigeria_870460.html

Pray: for the state of emergency in Borno and Hobe States to successfully remove all who violently attempt to establish their interpretations of religion. Pray for good communications between military and government bodies. (Ps.34:14)

More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=43876&PN=1

Abba Moro, Nigeria's interior minister, said the army is making progress in the war against Boko Haram despite the killing of 44 people in a mosque on Sunday. He dismissed the attack as ‘desperate’ and ‘isolated’ telling the BBC ‘The security agencies of Nigeria have been able to push the Boko Haram sect from their major strongholds.’ Thousands of extra soldiers have been sent to the north-eastern states since a state of emergency was announced in May. On Monday 32 militants, 2 soldiers and a policeman were killed in clashes with Boko Haram in Borno state when troops successfully repelled terrorists who attacked a military base. We are asked to continue to pray that Boko Haram’s plans to establish an Islamic caliphate in the country will fail. More than 2,000 people have died since terrorists commenced killings and bombings mostly in the northern part of the country. See also: http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/nigeria-clashes-between-boko-haram-and-army-35-killed_867088.html

Pray: God will continue to strengthen the resolve and abilities of Nigeria’s government and army in its fight against terror. (Ps.37:10-11)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23689074