Release International

At least seven people have been killed in fresh attacks on Christian communities in Kaduna and Plateau states.

Release partner Stefanos Foundation reports that seven Christians were killed and five others injured when militant Fulani Muslims raided Kizachi Dawai Chawai village in Kaduna on July 3.

The gunmen, who were dressed in military uniforms, surrounded the village and started shooting indiscriminately, according to village chief Yakubu Dawai. The dead included a primary school teacher and mother of six. Five Christian homes were burnt down.

The next day, assailants armed with guns and machetes invaded Ganawuri community near Jos in neighbouring Plateau State. Three Christians are feared dead. A spokesman for the Nigerian military said the attackers were suspected Fulani Muslims from Kaduna.

Christians in and around Jos have been fearful of more violence since raids on three villages on March 7 left up to 500 people dead, including many women and children (Prayer Alert, March 16, 2010).

Stefanos Foundation reports that Boko Haram militants, who attacked Christians in Bauchi and Maiduguri last July (Prayer Alert, August 11, 2009), have threatened further attacks on Jos.

(Sources: ASSIST News Service, International Christian Concern, Stefanos Foundation)

• Ask God to comfort Christians affected by these latest attacks. Pray that they will know God as their 'ever-present help in trouble' (Psalm 46:1).
• Pray that the Nigerian authorities will ensure that the military carry out their full responsibilities and protect Christian communities from further attack.

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