Mrs Rhoda Ya’u Jatau is a Christian and civil servant who worked in Bauchi State, Nigeria. She was accused of sharing a video in a staff WhatsApp group in which a Muslim man from Ghana strongly condemned the blasphemy-related murder of Deborah Emmanuel in 2022. Mrs Jatau was charged with inciting public disturbance, exciting the contempt of a religious creed and cyberstalking. She was held for 18 months without bail.
Thanks to your generosity and prayers, we could work on Mrs Jatau’s case until it was dismissed in December 2024. A skilled and exceptional lawyer played a huge part in securing this outcome, so we are grateful to have been able to contribute towards her legal fees. We also raised her plight at the UN and helped quash unhelpful reports that could have undermined her case.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/Nigeria
Sunday 20 April
Happy Easter! Praise God for the victory of Jesus’ resurrection – life triumphing over death. Pray for an outpouring of joy and protection for Christians in Nigeria, and around the world, who are celebrating and worshipping today.
Monday 21 April
Give thanks that Mrs Jatau’s case was dismissed, and for everyone who played a part in securing her freedom. Pray for her safety as she moves on with her life and ask God to bring victory for others who have been falsely accused in Nigeria.
Tuesday 22 April
Pray for a powerful move of God to stop the perpetrators of terror and violence. In the northeast, the terrorist franchises Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue their campaigns of abduction and murder. The al Qaeda affiliate Ansaru and another terrorist group, Lakaruwa, operate in the northwest. Meanwhile, Fulani militia wreak havoc in the centre and south.
Wednesday 23 April
This month marked 11 years since Boko Haram abducted 276 girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State. Pray that the Nigerian government will prioritise the safe return of the 82 girls who are still missing. Pray that those who escape will get the psychosocial support they need.
Thursday 24 April
Communities in parts of the predominantly Christian area of southern Kaduna continue to experience attacks and kidnappings for ransom. Tragically, many abductees are killed after payments are made, and those who deliver the ransoms are often abducted themselves. Pray for urgent intervention to stop this happening and protect those who are at risk.
Friday 25 April
On New Years Day 2025, militia men on motorcycles and dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms invaded the Ungwar Rogo community in Kajuru LGA, southern Kaduna. They stole farm produce and burned down 15 homes. They also set fire to the local Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) building, after looting the church and the vicarage. Ask God to bring an end to these attacks and restore peace to the region.
Saturday 26 April
Risen Lord Jesus, you are far above all rule and authority, power and dominion (Ephesians 3:21). As we hear about situations of terrible suffering, insecurity and injustice in Nigeria, help us to remember that nothing is impossible for you. Bring deliverance, we pray. Amen.