The increased dependence of Nigeria’s political and even 'so called' church leaders on occult powers is very worrying. The experiences of two State governors in Anambra and Ogun were publicized but many other governors and their cabinets are involved in swearing to oaths at shrines to affirm allegiance. This is ungodly because idolatry brings about God's wrath in many ways. We are asked to pray for a move of God's spirit across the land, bringing transformation and renewal. Pray that all leaders involved in occult practices will be convicted by God and repent of their wickedness.

Pray: that those who have trusted in the true God will have excellent results in their governance and this will be a good example for those who are trusting the devil. (Dan 1:10)

More: http://www.pray4nigeria.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=354:day-30-idolatry-and-occultism&catid=47&Itemid=285

A bus station primarily used by Christian passengers heading south was bombed killing at least 22 and injuring 65. Several buses were destroyed. Kano is the largest city in the mainly Muslim north of Nigeria. One of the buses targeted was full when the explosion happened, and was completely destroyed. Security in the city has been substantially tightened with the area of the explosion almost completely sealed off. In January 150 died in Kano in a series of co-ordinated attacks by Boko Haram. The group is fighting to overthrow the Nigeria government and create an Islamic state in the North. It is also believed to have a presence in Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer. It is roughly divided between a mainly Muslim north and predominately Christian south.

Pray: for the families and communities affected by the killings pray also for the federal government to overcome those who do not mean well for Nigeria. (2Th.3:2-3)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21845402

1) Fighting oil theft: ‘Stop the theft’ is a campaign to raise awareness of the scale and consequences of illegal oil theft in the Niger Delta and to work with others to propose/advocate for long term and tangible solutions. 2) Crowd funding: ‘Think of 234Give’ as a tunnel. On one end are all those who want to help the country. On the other end are all those who need help. It is the connection linking donors and fundraisers with deserving charities and needy projects. 3) Diaspora voting: An initiative to secure a vote for each Nigerian in the Diaspora enabling Nigerians to build Nigeria together. 4) Promoting online education: ‘GAPS’ (Grow, Advance, Produce, Succeed) Academy aims to empower everyone to learn, share and bridge the gaps in their knowledge and experience. 5) Demystifying government finance: ‘BudgIT’ aims to retell the Nigerian budget and public data in a finer detail across every literacy span to stimulate citizen interests and discussions towards better governance.

Pray:that these start-up initiatives would achieve their aims and may God raise up more innovative agencies to support Nigeria back on to her feet. (Ps.121:1-2)

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/05/nigeria-five-campaigns-oil

An official and others wept in Abuja after listening to the pastor of All Saints Church recount how 17 Christians were killed for refusing to renounce Jesus Christ. People also heard from Deborah Shetima whose husband was butchered last April, that her two children (7and 9 years-old) were abducted, then Boko Haram returned three months later and killed her third child. The Minister said, ‘If we have become a nation that does not put value on human lives then we are really in a bad place. Listening to these women and seeing what they have to carry alone one feels a sense of abandonment for them. They are invisible to the rest of us - that worries me. We must figure out who we really are; and what have we become as a people and as a nation.’ Also church leaders in NE Nigeria are saying Christians are scared to leave their homes after 8pm and too afraid of Islamic extremist attacks to attend church services. See: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2013/s13030003.htm

Pray: for an end to bombings, killings and abductions, provisions for widows and orphans without a source of livelihood and for desperate communities to know hope, peace and restoration. (Is.54:5; Pr.2:12)

More: http://www.punchng.com/news/ezekwezili-others-weep-as-bharam-victims-recount-woes/

Christians are being asked to pray for Nigeria after a weekend of deadly attacks. Six people died when gunmen attacked the predominantly Christian village of Aduwan Gida in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Southern Kaduna on 23 February. The victims were villagers who had gathered to mourn the death of an elderly member of the community. The gunmen attacked the group at around 10pm. Victims reportedly included a mother and her six-month-old baby. The injured are being treated in hospitals in Kaduna and Plateau States Christian Solidarity Worldwide-Nigeria, said the attack resembled those by Boko Haram in recent years. ‘It is unfortunate that after the announcement of a ceasefire by elements of Boko Haram, we are still experiencing attacks resembling their style of operations,’ he said. 'We ask for continuing prayers for Nigeria and urge churches to be vigilant with regard to security, particularly as the Easter period approaches.’

Pray: for the relatives of all families murdered by ‘unknown attackers’ across Nigeria, may they know God’s peace and comfort. Pray also for security forces to give adequate protection. (Ps.23:4)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/appeal.for.prayers.for.nigeria.after.deadly.attacks/31718.htm

More than 3,000 people have been killed since 2009 by Boko Haram, a northern-based extremist group once known as the Nigerian Taliban. John Onaiyekan, Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop of Abuja, warned that the violence perpetrated by the extremist group is threatening the Muslim-Christian harmony in Nigeria with gun and bomb attacks against churches, schools, police stations, military facilities, newspaper offices and even the UN buildings. Militants also raid Christian homes demanding conversion to Islam or death. These attacks and massacres have fuelled concerns among Nigerian Christians and the cardinal said, ‘it becomes extremely difficult to convince the Christians that not all Muslims are killing our people, and that there are many Muslims who are sorry for what is happening to Christians.’ Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa, yet more than half its population lives on less than $1 a day.

Pray: against militant groups feeding off rampant poverty and corruption as they recruit the poorest people into violence. May the government officials change their policies and revert to good governance. (Ex.23:6,7)

More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-muslim-harmony-in-nigeria-in-jeopardy-amid-attacks-by-islamic-extremists-89770/

Boko Haram killed three North Korean doctors in the latest attack on health workers. The deaths on Saturday night come after gunmen killed at least nine women administering polio vaccines in Kano. Some believe Boko Haram are picking soft targets in its campaign of shootings and bombings across the country. The North Korean doctors had lived in the state since 2005 as part of a medical programme. They were attacked inside their home (which had no security guards; they also travelled without police escort). When soldiers arrived at the house they found two of the men had their throats slit, the other was decapitated. Also Church of the Brethren Newsline reported 15 people killed and 8 sustaining gunshot wounds in an attack on a church at the beginning of the month. The church building and the pastor’s office were burned down, along with some houses belonging to Christians.

Pray: against Boko Haram - whose name means ‘western education is sacrilege,’ pray for Christians working in Nigeria’s health systems, pray also for the families of the deceased. (Ps.2:1-2,12b)

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/10/south-korea-doctors-nigeria-killed

Violence is intensifying in Nigeria. A Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies, said that although religion remains a divisive issue conflict occurs when ethnic, religious and economic boundaries coincide - as these factors are interconnected. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, (165 million people) ethnic and economic differences are widespread, (350 different ethnic groups) with agricultural careers ranging from farmers to herders. It's split nearly evenly between southern Christians and northern Muslims. There are claims and counter-claims with too many spokespeople from each religion regarding each other with disdain. Nigeria is tottering on the brink. The question is whether or not it will fall off. However, Christianity in the country is huge, vibrant and growing and intercessors need to be concerned about Boko Haram disrupting the peace of Nigeria and the possibility of civil war. Nigeria sends thousands of missionaries throughout Africa. For that to be disrupted would hinder the spread of the Gospel throughout the continent.

Pray: for God’s power to work through all agencies working towards peace, and may the Church continue to grow in power, wisdom and authority. (Pr.8:15-18)

More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/understanding-nigerias-raging-christian-muslim-conflict-65847/

Suspected Islamists have been blamed for the deaths of at least 23 people in separate attacks in north-eastern Nigeria. Witnesses say gunmen apparently targeted hunters selling bush meat in Damboa on Monday, killing 18 people. Strict Muslims are forbidden to eat this type of bush meat. Another five people died on Tuesday when a group of men playing draughts was attacked in Kano. The militant group Boko Haram, which is fighting to create an Islamic state, has staged many attacks in Nigeria. Boko Haram has been blamed for the deaths of some 1,400 people in central and northern Nigeria since 2010. Last year alone, the group was linked to more than 600 deaths. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of a deadly attack in Kano, the main city in northern Nigeria. Gunmen riding on motorbikes opened fire on people playing an outdoor board game, police and witnesses say. Gambling is also strictly forbidden under Islamic law.

Pray: against the evil influence that fanatics like Boko Haram have in the communities. (Ps.37:9)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21152122

The president of Nigeria said: ‘The Church is one of the main targets’ of terrorist attacks by the radical Islamic group Boko Haram. ‘If the idea of Boko Haram is to stop Nigerians from worshipping God, they will not succeed,’ President Goodluck Jonathan told parishioners at a church in Nigeria's capital Sunday. Gunmen suspected of belonging to Boko Harem have attacked a Nigerian village in the last week. They rounded up men, women, and children and killed at least 15. The Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans has been urging the United States to label Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization, a move that could hurt its funding and support. However, while US State Department is considering the request, so far, the Department hasn't decided if labelling the group that way is the most effective way to deal with them. Boko Haram is blamed for killing nearly 800 people in 2012 alone, according to the Associated Press.

Pray: that the prayers of God’s people will hold back those that worship other gods. (Ps.81:9)

More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=42436&PN=1&TPN=1

A massive fire has ripped through one of the poorest suburbs in Lagos, burning down dozens of ramshackle homes and workshops in Ebute Metta community, along the Lagos lagoon where sawmills process timber. The huge blaze was the second major one in the city in recent weeks. On Boxing Day a massive explosion ripped through a warehouse full of fireworks in a crowded neighbourhood in Lagos Island. Fire remains a major danger in Nigeria, where many people store gasoline and diesel in their homes to run generators for electricity.

Pray: for those who have lost everything, with no means to regain an income or a home.

More: http://news.sky.com/story/1035313/huge-fire-rages-through-lagos-lagoon-slum

Many churches have signed up to our 'adopt a day' initiative, whereby they commit to pray for 24 hours, one day a month during the Year of Transformational Prayer for Nigeria.

If you would like to sign up your church, prayer group or ministry, please get in touch.

Click the Read More link below to see the sign-ups to date.