Release International

The wife of a Christian pastor murdered in the recent wave of violence in the city of Jos says she forgives his killers.

Mary Yari told new agency Compass Direct that her husband Joseph was shot as he tried to stop rioters from destroying a Baptist church in the Plateau state capital. 'They were ignorant of the crime they have committed because they do not know Jesus,' she said.

Joseph Yari, who led an Evangelical Church of West Africa congregation, was one of six church leaders killed when rioters went on the rampage on November 28-29, attacking Christians and their property. Church leaders told Compass Direct that 40 churches were destroyed and at least 500 people killed in the riots. Four hundred of them were reported to be Muslims killed by security forces ordered to shoot on sight during a 24-hour curfew.

Some 25,000 people took refuge in 20 makeshift camps in police barracks and other government-owned facilities. So far about 500 people have been arrested.

(Source: Compass Direct, Reuters, The Voice of the Martyrs Australia)

Pray for those who are grieving or homeless as a result of recent violence in Jos.

Pray for wisdom and boldness for Plateau state officials and church leaders.

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