10/17/2021 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – At 11am on Tuesday, October 5th, Boko Haram militants descended onto the Shikarkir community in Borno state, shooting sporadically and setting homes ablaze.
A source close to ICC reported that the militants were dressed in Nigeria army uniforms and traveling in two vans owned by the Nigerian army.
“The villagers were killed before the Nigerian Army’s 28 task force brigade attempted to repel the attack,” said the source. “Two Christians were killed, and many houses were set ablaze. Bulls used for farming were also killed.”
“Two committed and dedicated Church members were killed,” added a local pastor. “Many shops were looted after they set them on fire. Church of Christ in All Nation (COCIN) was also burned down.
Thank you, our brethren, for your prayers and concern. The Lord bless you all.”
The attack occurred in the Chibok Local Government Area, one of the area councils in Borno state. Christian communities within Chibok have been faced with ongoing persecution since 2014, when almost 300 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram.
The Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram has killed tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria and displaced millions in an attempt to discard western influence and impose strict Islamic Sharia law. They target those who do not share their radical interpretation of Islam, often attacking villages and forcefully converting Christians, other religious minorities, and the many Muslims who they feel do not appropriately adhere to the teachings of Muhammed. While the Nigerian military repeatedly insists that the group has been defeated, attacks are ongoing.
Please pray for the end of the Boko Haram insurgency and for the Lord to soften the hearts of militants, who all too often are children forced to partake in heinous acts of violence. Please also pray for those who have been victims of terrorism, for the Lord to heal them and strengthen the church amidst persecution.
For interviews, please contact Addison Parker: press@persecution.org
