Source: www.persecution.org
Date: March 27, 2024
Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Government officials reported that at least 130 students returned to their parents following the kidnapping of 287 students in Kaduna state in northern Nigeria. The school initially reported the militants kidnapped 237 students, but the government reported the number was only 137. The government claims that all students have returned. Journalists have not verified the numbers outside of the 130 returned this week. There are many conflicting reports as to the exact number of students kidnapped or returned.
Last month, various groups kidnapped more than 650 people within one week in Nigeria. The globally recognized terrorist group Boko Haram kidnapped half of the individuals while suspected Fulani militants kidnapped the other half.
The terrorists kidnapped the students just one month before the 10th anniversary of the kidnapping of the Chibok girls who sparked the international revolution “Bring Back Our Girls.” Unlike the students in this kidnapping, many of the Chibok girls remain missing.
The government of Nigeria told reporters that they returned all students from the recent incident in Kaduna without the use of ransom payments; however, Nigerian officials often do not report the use of ransom to deter future exploitation from terrorist groups.
We praise God that he returned more than 130 of the students. Just as it says in Luke 15 in the parable of the lost sheep, the Lord demonstrated his love for his children in seeking after the “one.” Luke 15 says, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?” We praise God that he sought after the children and returned them home.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for the immediate return of any who may still be missing. Praise God for the return of these students. Pray for healing for all those who suffered this traumatic experience.