Release International

Thousands of Christians who fled their homes during post-election violence last month are still living in camps for fear of further attack, according to latest reports.

Hundreds of Christians have reportedly been killed across northern Nigeria since the election victory of Goodluck Jonathan, who is a Christian.

International Christian Concern (ICC) reports that the exact death toll remains unknown because the authorities hastily organised mass burials of the dead – 'to hide the extent of the massacre'. More than 300 churches have been set alight and 'countless' Christian homes have been destroyed, says ICC.

Anti-Christian violence has been reported in almost every state in northern Nigeria. Worst hit so far have been Christians in Kaduna state where at least 300 people in just two towns, Zonkwa and Kafanchan, were reported to have been killed (Prayer Alert, April 28, 2011). In Kaduna alone, about 1,000 families are living in government-run displacement camps, too afraid to return home.

However, there is particular concern now that Bauchi state may be the latest focus for extremist violence. Christians there fear that the same Muslim groups that have been attacking villages in and around Jos in Plateau state may now have moved into southern areas of neighbouring Bauchi.

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada reports that the Christian Association of Nigeria has confirmed that many villages in southern Bauchi are now under serious threat.

Prayer Alert reported on May 13 that 16 Christians – including a pastor's wife and three children – were killed in a raid on Kurum village in the Bogoro area of Bauchi.

In Plateau state, which remains a flashpoint for violence, reports have emerged of an attack on Dengi town on April 28. Extremists set alight a church and several Christian homes – after complaints that music from a Christian music shop was disturbing Muslims' prayer time.

Pastor Ishaku Danyok, whose home and church were badly damaged, told Compass Direct news agency that his congregation are now worshipping in the wreckage. Pastor Ishaku also said that many church members had fled the town, but added: 'We believe that God wants to strengthen us through these incidents.'

(Sources: Compass Direct, International Christian Concern, Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

• Pray that Christians in northern Nigeria will be able to stand firm in their faith and keep focused on their Saviour.
• Pray for wisdom and God's guidance for President Jonathan. Pray that his Government will take a firm stand against extremism and do more to stamp out anti-Christian violence.

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