By Open Doors 1 October 2021 1 MIN

NIGERIA: CHURCH LEADER KILLED

A church leader is one of the latest victims of growing violence in Nigeria.

Nigeria pastor, Silas Yakubu Ali, went missing a few weeks ago after visiting a nearby community. We now know that extremists ambushed and killed the 55-year-old after his motorbike broke down on the road.

One day later, extremists attacked a nearby village, killing another 11 people. 10 of the victims were members of Pastor Silas’ church.

An Open Doors’ regional expert said, “Most of this violence is in the north, in the form of Boko Haram (an Islamic extremist group), Fulani militants (a traditionally Muslim nomadic ethnic group) and armed bandits. But it is also spreading to the south.

“Such violence often causes loss of life, physical injury, as well as loss of property. As a result of the violence, Christians are also being dispossessed of their land and means of livelihood.”

Nigeria remains the ninth most dangerous place to follow Jesus according to the World Watch List 2021. Devastating attacks like these are only becoming more common.

Will you take a moment to pray over Nigeria today?

Pray For Nigeria:

  • Pray for God’s peace to wash over the family and community mourning Pastor Silas’ passing.
  • Pray over the hearts of extremists. Pray that they’ll come to know Jesus.
  • Pray that local churches in Nigeria won’t be discouraged, but will be convicted to continue following Jesus, no matter the cost.

Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.

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