Islamic militants have driven 19,000 rice farmers from their land in northeast Nigeria while a military crackdown is preventing thousands more from working their fields, raising fears of imminent food shortages adding to the misery in northeast Nigeria. The abandoned area is fertile, a regional bread basket created by the receding waters of Lake Chad. General hunger is anticipated this year because all roads linking the cities to the farming hinterlands have been closed down. Farmers have been locked out of their lands while those in the hinterland cannot come to the city for tractors or labourers for the next cropping. Meanwhile violence continues with 13 people killed when extremists attacked a boarding school for five hours in Damataru state capital on Sunday night. A student who survived by hiding under a bed said dozens of Boko Haram ordered students to take them to the teachers’ quarters, where they opened fire on teachers and students.

Pray: for an end to the attacks that are terrorizing the population of northeast Nigeria; for minimum violence as troops are deployed. (Ps.68:28)

More: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/18/3457539/islamists-drive-19000-farmers.html

At an International Conference on ‘Religious Freedom and Tolerance’ clergymen from different denominations condemned the violent persecution of Christians in the north, as they discussed the current situation with Christian Solidarity International, Christian Defense Force, Human Capital Development, Governors and University academics. They endorsed the emergency rule imposed by President Jonathan in parts of the north where out of 52 churches 50 have been destroyed by Boko Haram terrorists. Also it was suggested Christians in the North be asked to consider relocating to the East to avoid more casualties.

Pray: for concerted action and prayer to contain efforts to destabilize Nigeria and to bring about a Godly solution. (Ps.125:3-5)

More:http://www.spyghana.com/bishops-condemn-persecution-of-christians-in-nigeria/

A UN report for refugees stated that no fewer than 6,000 people - mostly women, children and elderly were displaced following the military onslaught against Boko Haram and the al Qaeda-linked Ansaru. They fled to neighbouring Niger Republic fearful of being caught in the government-led crackdown. The presence of Nigerian refugees in Niger is putting a strain on meagre local food and water resources as they struggle after years of drought. Refugees are either renting houses or staying with host families who are themselves living in very precarious conditions. A UNHCR member of staff who visited several border villages hosting refugees met Nigerian families living out in the open and some under trees. Refugees reported air strikes by government forces from time to time, and planes regularly flying over Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where a state of emergency has been in force since May 14.

Pray: for the UN to effectively deliver structured and coordinated help for host communities of Nigerian refugees. (Ps.12:7)

More: http://www.punchng.com/news/6000-flee-bharam-crisis-to-niger-un/

Part of a press statement by the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians based in England sent commiserations to the family of Drummer Lee Rigby stating, ‘Our prayers are with Amy Rigby, their young son, wider family and friends as they grapple with this dastardly act. May our good LORD comfort them in their sorrows. This cowardly and cold-blooded murder of a British icon in the locale of an established military base was intended to strike fear into our hearts and break the bands that unite us as a peaceful nation. This is characteristic of the violent agenda of the proselytized adherents of these fringe groups in their grandiose belief that such carnage and unjustifiable acts glorify a just and merciful God. We utterly deplore the barbaric actions of these unscrupulous individuals who would not hesitate to invoke darkness on their motherland on the altar of self-glorification. We are deeply saddened at the recent revelation that the perpetrators are British of Nigerian extraction.’ For the full press release click the more button

Pray: for divine intervention and human vigilance to defeat the agents of terrorism. (Ps.77:14)

More: http://www.pray4nigeria.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=379:ofnc-statement&catid=7&Itemid=256

Issued on behalf of the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians (UK)

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
28 May 2013

Nigerian Christians Condemn Cold-Blooded Murder of a British Hero

Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians (OFNC) commiserates with the family of Drummer Lee Rigby who was brutally cut down in the prime of life by radicalised individuals. Our prayers are with Amy Rigby, their young son, wider family and friends as they grapple with this dastardly act. May our good LORD comfort them in their sorrows.

This cowardly and cold-blooded murder of a British icon in the locale of an established military base was intended to strike fear into our hearts and break the bands that unite us as a peaceful nation. This is characteristic of the violent agenda of the proselytised adherents of these fringe groups in their grandiose belief that such carnage and unjustifiable acts glorify a just and merciful God.

Rev Faye Pama Musa, Secretary of the Borno state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria was shot dead at his home in Northern Nigeria on May 15th after being followed home by suspected Boko Haram militants after an evening Bible study. He had a wife and three children. Christians warn that they are the main target of on-going violence in Nigeria's restive northeast. Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said forces have successfully engaged a large number of heavily armed terrorists during the last few days as they attempt to curtail violence. By Tuesday 14th suspected Islamic extremists and three soldiers were reported dead. Twenty others have been arrested. Boko Haram extremists were reported ‘fleeing to Nigeria's borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger’, though that has not been confirmed. The president has called for the arrest of anyone suspected of working with the insurgents and ordered his forces to occupy any building housing extremists. See:http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/May/Christians-Remain-Targets-as-Violence-Grows-in-Nigeria/

Pray: against militant groups feeding off rampant poverty and corruption as they recruit the poorest people into violence. May the government officials and troops bring about good governance. (Ex.23:6-7)

More: http://www.persecution.org/2013/05/17/christian-leader-in-northern-nigeria-gunned-down-in-his-home/

On Tuesday fifty-five people were killed, a police station, military barracks and government buildings were burned to the ground and 105 prisoners were freed in a pre-dawn raid in Bama, Borno state. Extremist attacks are common in the region but the scale of bloodshed makes this raid stand out. This strike - coming on the back of other deadly attacks - undermines the suggestion that the military operation against the militants has diminished the threat they pose. President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a committee to agree the terms of an am nesty for the rebels but Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, has so far rejected the idea. Some of the attackers wore army uniforms for the five hour assault. The army says it was the work of Boko Haram - sending out the defiant message that it cannot be defeated by the state security forces. There are reports that the militants have acquired more powerful weapons. President Goodluck Jonathan has put his faith in the power of God for his country.

Pray: ‘God arise and scatter your enemies.’ Pray for the Islamist militants to accept an amnesty. (Ps.37:10,11)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22444417

In a nationwide broadcast Tuesday evening President Goodluck Jo nathan took direct control of security in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. In imposing the state of emergency he wielded extra-ordinary powers under the 1999 constitution, when invoked this authorizes the presidency to govern these states directly, by-passing their governors. President Jonathan said, ‘The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the north. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolv e.’ Adding, ‘I hereby declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states’ He was forced to take the measure after several attempts to get Boko Haram, to disarm proved abortive.

Pray: for minimum violence as troops are deployed. Pray for all security agencies involved in these operations and for an end to insurgents and terrorists. (Ps.68:28)

More: http://www.nigerianwatch.com/news/1743-goodluck-declares-a-state-of-emergency-in-borno-yobe-and-adamawa-states

Since Nigeria's government has proved itself incapable of protecting the country's Christians, the militant Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has pledged to protect them by targeting Islamic institutions with retaliatory violence. Last year, almost 70% of all Christians killed worldwide were murderd in Nigeria according to International Christian Concern. If sectarian warfare breaks out, Nigeria may become the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian. See: http://www.worthynews.com/12256-is-sectarian-war-stewing-in-nigeria Renowned cleric, Prophet Kayode Abiara has stated that the situation in the country requires urgent prayer and not revolution. He urged Nigerians to pray ceaselessly for the nation, saying it was prayers that had kept the country together- if not for prayers of both Christians and Muslims the country would have collapsed by now. We must thank God for the churches and the mosques. The call by some people for revolution is misplaced. Instead of shedding blood through revolution, Nigerians should pray. God answers prayers.

Pray: for those in positions of authority to have God’s blessing s of wisdom and insight in every situation and may the Church experience God's protection as they stand united. (Ps.133)

More: http://www.persecution.org/2013/04/30/prayer-will-save-nigeria-not-revolution/

On Monday Fulani militants killed seven unarmed youths in Imande Dem, which is in the Guma local government area of Benue state. The youths, who were ethnic Tiv, a predominantly Christian group native to Benue, had reportedly been trying to recover the bodies of two others who had allegedly been killed previously by the same Fulanis. Also on Monday, an attack in Jol, which is south of Jos city in Plateau state, left ten people dead. We are asked to pray for those bereaved and traumatised by these violent attacks. May the communities affected by these killings be united against intolerance.

Pray: for all working tirelessly to support communities affected by violence, may they restore people's hope. May God guide, sustain and strengthen them as they repair broken walls. (Is.58:12)

More:http://www.releaseinternational.org/nigeria-militants-kill-unarmed-youths/

Christian militants MEND (The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta ) threatened to attack Muslim targets in response to bombings carried out by Boko Haram. Targets would be mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassinations of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate. However Mend has appeared increasingly fragmented in recent months. The group behind the current threats is believed to comprise disgruntled militants who have turned against the amnesty agreed between Mend and the Nigerian government in 2009. ‘We are on the cusp of something imaginable happening.’ said Tolu Ogunies a journalist and witness to attacks on Muslims in southern Nigeria. This new round of proposed violence is codenamed Operation Barbarossa. (Barbarossa was the code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union)

Pray: for threats of murder and violence to be replaced by peaceful stability and helpful diplomacy. (Ps.43:1-4)

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/16/nigerian-christian-retaliation-islamist-attacks

Easter violence left 80 dead and 4,500 displaced. On Easter Sunday Muslim cattle herders attacked three Christian communities of the Ataka group in a remote area of Kaduna State. Authorities said fighting between Muslim cattle herders and Christian villages killed nearly 60 people in recent days. Following Sunday's violence thousands of villagers fled to the nearby hills. Local government estimated 4,500 people were displaced and two camps have been has set up to house them. Some who returned to assess the damage were also murdered according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Assailants razed several homes. Many displaced are staying in the local Primary School and in nearby villages. The latest violence came after 36+ people died and dozens of houses were burned in neighbouring Plateau State when ethnic Fulani Muslims raided Christian villages in Holy Week. The systematic manner in which these attacks now occur indicates a greater degree of organization than has previously been the case.

Pray: for the families of those who lost their lives and pray that the state governments will provide urgent assistance to the injured and displaced. (Ps.140:6-8)

More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/27519-news-alert-nigeria-easter-season-attacks-kill-80-christians-urge-prayers