[Today’s Prayer] Another Large-Scale Kidnapping in Nigeria…“227 Students and Staff Abducted”

In Africa, Nigeria experienced another large-scale student kidnapping just four days after a previous incident.

According to AP and AFP on the 21st (local time), in the early morning, at St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Agwara Papiri, Niger State, western Nigeria, students and staff were abducted by armed assailants.

At least 227 people were kidnapped, including 215 female students and 12 teachers, though some students managed to escape, according to a spokesperson for the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The local Catholic diocese also stated, “Armed assailants raided the school between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., abducting students, teachers, and security guards. The guards were shot.”

(In brief)

AFP reported that on the 18th, armed assailants attacked worshippers during a service at a church in western Nigeria, killing two and abducting dozens.

These recent student kidnappings and church attacks occurred about two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of military action against Islamist groups targeting Christians in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government denies claims of persecution against Christians.

In western and northern Nigeria, armed local groups, often called “bandits,” frequently attack civilians for ransom, including kidnappings.

Most victims are released after ransom is paid, but some remain captive or are killed if ransom is not paid.

Source: Yonhap News

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains” (James 5:8)

Heavenly Father, we hear the heartbreaking news that 227 students and staff were kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in Nigeria.

Lord, may the abducted students and staff remember Jesus as their refuge and be victorious in prayer amidst their fear. May Your Holy Spirit be with them, protecting each person’s body and mind, and guide them so that not a single life is lost and they safely return to their families.

Lord, pour Your wisdom and guidance upon Nigeria’s leaders so they respond actively and that the armed assailants lose their power, bringing an end to student kidnappings and attacks on churches.

Through this, may the Nigerian church grow stronger in heart, gather faithfully, and worship You. May they prepare for the return of Jesus Christ and serve the mission of spreading His love and gospel to neighbors suffering from kidnappings and to regions where Muslims live.

May the African church and the global church also be stirred to pray more earnestly for the suffering brothers and sisters in Nigeria. May they rise as a church that unites in prayer amid suffering and triumphs over all hardships.

May the Nigerian church and the African church stand firmly as a light of Jesus Christ in the darkness of all nations!