“The latest evidence of Christian persecution,” says Josef Ishu, secretary of the Nigerian Bishops’ Conference Laity Office. He added, “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. That’s what the Bible says.”
This isn’t the first occurrence of a priest being attacked in Nigeria. In 2022, at least 39 priests were murdered, 30 abducted and an overall 145 assaulted, according to SB Morgen Intelligence.
Johan Viljoen, director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, states, “Priests in Nigeria have been under severe attack for at least the past three years. Let’s pray that it doesn’t increase.”
There is severe persecution in Nigeria. Last year alone, almost 5,000 Christians were killed in-country. But Jesus warned of these things. In Matthew 24:9, He says, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me.” However, as a comfort to us, He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The Bible tells us, as His followers, we will face many hard things in this life, but we can still find peace in Him. Our God is great and He provides us with joy—even in the face of persecution.
Join us in praying for the persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
Lord, we lift up to You Charles’ flock and all of Your followers in Nigeria. We plead for them and their country. Remove any fear in these believers and fill them with hope, peace, joy and boldness in the face of persecution.
You also said to pray for those who persecute You, so we pray for those who are persecuting Your church. We pray You would encounter each and every one of them. Transform them with Your truth and love and bring them to salvation. In Your name Jesus, we pray.
*Representative photo used
About The Author
Tim Dustin is a staff writer for Global Christian Relief, a nonprofit Christian ministry that works to strengthen persecuted believers and raise awareness regarding Christian persecution. For more information, visit our website at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
