Release International

Fresh attacks on Christians and churches in Plateau have raised fears that extremists are trying to stir up unrest ahead of presidential elections next month.

In Plateau state, central Nigeria, bombers appeared to be targeting church goers when they detonated a device in Nasawara Gwom, a mainly Christian district of Jos, on Sunday. However, they succeeded only in killing themselves and damaging a nearby shop.

The intended targets of this attack were apparently members of the nearby Church of Christ In Nigeria and the Evangelical Church Winning All.

Militants also planted a second bomb behind the headquarters of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry but it was discovered and made safe.

Churches were already on high alert – after warnings of bomb attacks. Release sources suggest that extremists may have been trying to sidestep heightened security around churches, by targeting Christians on their journeys home.

Release sources in Nigeria say that extremists appear to be trying to whip up religious violence to create a state of emergency in Plateau ahead of the elections on April 9. Last week, security officials intercepted a truckload of explosives and ammunition in Jos.

Release partners also reported that three other people, said to be Christians, were killed earlier on Sunday – and six others stabbed.

The Most Rev Dr Benjamin Kwashi, Archbishop of Jos, told Release today: 'The only real answer is prayer. I trust God to defend us. I have been threatened with death personally three times. In all three times, the Lord has rescued me.'

Violence continues in other parts of Nigeria. In Bauchi state, immediately north of Plateau, reports suggest that more than 4,000 people fled their homes after armed assailants launched night raids on villages in the Tafawa Balewa area on March 10. Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that extremists burnt down 13 churches and more than 450 homes.

News update:
Release has just learnt that Shi Weihan, who ran a Christian bookshop in Beijing, China, was released from prison on February 9 after serving almost three years for 'illegal business activities'. Supporters have always insisted Shi's bookshop stocked only books he was legally authorised to sell. Shi, who led a house church, is now back with his family.

(Sources: China Aid, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors, Stefanos Foundation)

• Pray for an end to the cycle of violence in parts of Nigeria such as Plateau and Bauchi states, where extremists are attacking Christians and churches with apparent impunity. Pray that the authorities will take a tougher stand against extremist violence.
• Pray for Shi Weihan, his wife and two children as they readjust to life together. Pray specifically for Shi's health: his diabetes caused him health problems in custody.

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