‘Yesterday’s victims were once survivors. Today’s victims were yesterday’s survivors and tomorrow’s victims would be today’s survivors.’
Aisha Yusufu, a Nigerian activist, used these words to describe the current situation in the country, where levels of insecurity and lawlessness that continue to rise, particularly in central and northern states, have extended southwards. Kidnappings and attacks on civilians are commonplace, with farming communities in central and southern states becoming increasingly vulnerable. Last June, a cross-party group of British MPs published a report entitled ‘Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?’. The report details the continuing attacks on Christian farming communities in central Nigeria by assailants from the Fulani ethnic group, and CSW submitted detailed evidence to the report. Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria
Sunday 14 February
Thank God that Professor Tarfa, the co-founder of orphanages for unwanted Christian children in Nigeria’s Kano and Kaduna states, was released on bail in December 2020. He was arrested on Christmas Day 2019 and charged with operating an orphanage illegally, which was later changed to criminal abduction of minors. His trial on these unfounded charges resumes on 26 February. Pray for charges to be dropped and the children to be returned to his care.
Monday 15 February
In southern Kaduna attacks by Fulani militia have continued into 2021, despite several peace initiatives. On 11 September two people from Manyi-Mashin village were burned in their homes, while nearly every other house in the village was destroyed. Ask God to comfort the survivors today.
Tuesday 16 February
On 21 January a High Court in Kano dismissed the sentence of 13-year-old Umar Farouk, who was found guilty of blasphemy by a shari’a court in August 2020 and sentenced to ten years in prison. The High Court also set aside the death sentence handed to singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu for allegedly committing blasphemy in a song he shared on the messaging service WhatsApp, but ordered a re-trial. Pray for this charge to also be dismissed.
Wednesday 17 February
Today marks the start of Lent, a season traditionally associated with a call to reflection and repentance. Pray that all those involved in kidnapping for ransom would have a radical change of heart, repent of their wrong and release their captives immediately.
Thursday 18 February
Praise God for all those who have been released from captivity, including four school children and their teacher from Kaduna State; twin sisters Hassana and Husaina Garba from Katsina State; Elder Kosau from Katsina State; brothers Elijah and Benjamin from Kaduna State; Reverend Chris Dariya from Plateau State. Pray for many more releases.
Friday 19 February
‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.’ (Luke 12:48) Pray this verse over the country’s leaders; that they would take concrete action to protect their citizens and hold those responsible for the ongoing violence to account.
Saturday 20 February
Loving heavenly Father, we cry out to you for the people of Nigeria today. Comfort all those who mourn, protect all in danger, strengthen those who fear. Fill the land with your justice, hope and peace, we pray. Amen.