Persecution of Christians has been persisting in the nation of Nigeria for years, and a recent attack on a church has added yet another tragedy to the increasing violence being experienced in the country.

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As reported by FaithWire, Pastor Samson Ogbebor in the town of Kontagora said that received a distress call around 3 am. He rushed to the church building to find looters and arsonists stealing property and laying waste to the church.

Sadly, this is not the first time this congregation has experienced such vehement aggression. About a decade prior to this recent attack, Ogbebor says that Muslim assailants came and completely burned down their church building.

The congregation was able to unite, and despite the constant opposition and attempts to derail the reconstruction, they rebuilt their sanctuary. This recent attack marks the second time this congregation has had their church destroyed.

Deacon John Aboje and some other Christians have called for their state government, as well as local Muslim officials, to remedy the constant persecution and promote freedom of worship for churchgoers. In response, these officials condemned acts of terrorism and advocated for religious freedom. They claim that their state “utilizes its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups.” Evidently, the local Islamic community’s actions have spoken louder than the words of their leaders. This attack is another incident in a series of attacks.

Although media outlets have started to notice and call attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, most people are still in the dark when it comes to the violence Christians are experiencing in other nations. This especially applies to the Christians of the UK and America. So what should we do?

Pray.

As Christians, we are charged with encouraging our spiritual brothers and sisters in times of persecution. We should pray that the tasks and plans of Islam be discontinued and dissolved in Nigeria and the rest of the world, and that the Church continue to lean on Jesus and Scripture. In this world, hatred toward Christianity is to be expected:

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you… (1 Peter 4:12 NKJV).

• We pray for spiritual integrity to be upheld in the Nigerian Christian community, and that the plans of their persecutors be made aware to righteous people in power who are willing to take action against such violence.
• We pray that families will not be destroyed but hold fast to their faith in God so that the purposes of Muslim radicals do not come to fruition.
• We pray for the dismantling of hatred in the hearts of these Muslims, and that the veils would be removed from their eyes so that they clearly see the folly of their ways and come back to Christ. Ultimately, when evil is met with the prayers of the Church, it cannot stand.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV).

Add your own prayer points for persecuted believers below.

T.K. Robinson is a student and part-time (amateur) philosopher. In his downtime, he enjoys reading, music, and chronic daydreaming. His Scripture-oriented commentary usually involves the younger generation (especially Gen Z). He wants to shed light on important current events regarding his peers and share insights from a Biblical perspective.