Release International

As religious tensions continue in Nigeria, Release International has been providing vital support to widows and orphans who have lost family members in attacks on Christian villages.

Many Christians have been killed during raids by Islamist radicals who want to drive out Christians from Plateau State. ‘The aim of this ethnic cleansing is to shift the balance of the population to pave the way for strict Islamic law,’ said Eddie Lyle, the Chief Executive of Release International, which supports the persecuted church.

‘As well as campaigning politically for an end to the violence, Release International (RI) has provided more than £40,000 to help Christians who have been under attack in Nigeria. Sadly, it looks as though our help will be needed for some time yet, as the militants continue to threaten Christian communities.’ Thousands have been killed in religious violence over the past four years – many in areas where Christians and Muslims have lived peacefully side by side for years.

RI provided emergency medical treatment to 88 people wounded by Islamist militants in Wase, Langtang south and Yelwa. The British-based organisation also helped equip 14 local clinics in areas where Christian villages have been under attack.

In the aftermath of the violence, RI has been supporting 80 widows of Nigerian pastors and their families. It also provided emergency support for more than 1300 Christian widows, to keep their families alive after militants killed their husbands.

RI gave the women loans to set up small businesses, such as selling grain, fuel or rearing chickens. Widow Grace James from Nigeria said: ‘Many have gone back to their places. We were given a loan to trade – none of our brothers have ever done that. I thank you. You gave us a loan and we paid back. I pray you continue.’

‘It is our privilege to stand with our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church,’ said Eddie Lyle. ‘We will continue to help and support them in every way we can.’

RI also helped towards the cost of books, school fees and uniforms for children orphaned in the conflict. And Release International has rebuilt the roofs of more than 50 houses burned by attacking militants and mercenaries. It has meant that many families who had been crammed into tiny living spaces with neighbours or relatives have at last been able to return home.

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