Masked armed men raided the Evangelical Church Winning All at Aaaaz-Kiri, Kogi, during Sunday service, killing five members and taking at least 13 others hostage. This is the second attack in the region, where another pastor, his wife, and members of his congregation are currently held hostage at Ejiba two weeks ago. Dislodged gangs from neighboring states, where the government has launched operations against them, are finding refuge in Kogi. This is part of the rising tide of instability in the whole of the north-west and central region of the country, where entire villages, churches, and schools are being raided, with over 250 children and 12 members of staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School kidnapped in Niger State. While the federal government attributes the attacks to jihadists, experts argue that crime-for-profit is at the root of the attacks. Despite President Tinubu’s directives that operations against them should become more rigorous and intelligence-driven, farmers and rural residents continue to be regularly attacked.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, protect your children from abduction, bring Your presence to those who are abducted and held hostage by those who persecute them. Liberate their spirits and free them from the fear of persecution. Jesus, remind Your Father’s children of the promise that awaits those who endure to the end, remind them that they wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against dark powers, principalities, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Holy Spirit, help the victims of persecution to show love to their enemies and those who persecute them. Lord, destroy these evil spirits that have led people in Nigeria to kidnap and persecute Your people, and show mercy to those committing these crimes against Your people. Jesus, bring a spirit of repentance to these assailants, and turn their hearts away from sin, and bring them to Your Holiness. O God, now, arise and save Your people and redeem the nation from terror for Your mercy’s sake, so that Your name may be praised forevermore. Amen!
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”
~Hebrews 10:32-34
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