Source:  www.persecution.org

Date:  February 22, 2021

Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – The Holy Family Catholic Church and two family homes in Kikwari village, Kaduna state were burned down on Sunday, February 21, according to Vanguard News.

Samuel Aruwan , Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, reported that locals were able to escape before the gunmen arrived: “According to the report received, the locals fled the area on receiving information that some bandits were sighted outside the village,” Aruwan told Vanguard News. “On getting to the location, the armed bandits set ablaze the place of worship and the two houses”

Governor El-Rufai reportedly condemned the arson and assured the community that security would be put in place. Despite his promises, the Governor has allowed such atrocities to occur for years throughout his state with little to no preventative action. While the gunmen in this particular incident remain unknown, Kaduna State has experienced countless attacks at the hands of Islamic terrorist groups, led by Fulani militants and Boko Haram. Christian communities are targeted, and thousands of believers have been kidnapped, tortured and killed with nowhere to turn for safety. While the government denies religious motives behind these attacks, the frequent burning of churches and targeting of believers shows that a hatred of Christianity plays a key role in violence throughout the Middle Belt.

Please pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian government, especially Kaduna state and Governor El Rufai, that God will grant them the wisdom and strength to eradicate corruption in their political systems and protect their citizens, including Christians. Please also pray for the victims of these brutal attacks, that they will be strengthened and comforted by God’s unfailing love.

HOW TO PRAY: Please continue to pray for believers living in danger in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Pray for Christian communities who are being targeted by Islamic terrorist groups there. Please also pray for the victims of these brutal attacks, that they will be strengthened and comforted by God’s unfailing love.