*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Nigeria (click here to view a satellite map)
Nigeria, West Africa
Population: 128,771,988
Christians: 40%
Dominant Religion: Islam
Persecution Ranking: 28th (North)
Political Leader: President Olusegun Obasanjo
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
Nigeria has experienced at least six coups and coup attempts since 1960 when it gained independence from Britian. Current leader President Obasanjo is a Christian and faces massive challenges in combating the corruption, lawlessness, and communal violence that blights Nigerian life. Tension between religious communities in northern and central Nigeria has been on the increase since 1999. This is when northern states began a campaign for the imposition of the Islamic Shari’ah penal code in defiance of the country’s secular constitution. So far, 12 states have implemented Shari’ah penal code, effectively creating a state religion. Over 50,000 people have since died in religious violence. Most of the victims have been Christians and other non-Muslims who, in many instances, have been deliberately targeted in organized violence. Christians in Shari’ah states now experience varying degrees of repression, harassment, and violence.
Prayer Points
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Pray that Christians living in the 12 states where Shari’ah law is de facto state law would know how to worship and live under these restrictions. |
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Remember President Obasanjo, and pray that he would rule justly and wisely, and succeed in his endeavour to unite the country and end the culture of violence, lawlessness, and corruption. |
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Pray for an end to religious violence and that its funders and perpetrators would be caught and brought to justice. |
Almighty Father, we pray for those whose lives have been distressed by religious violence in Nigeria. Protect Christians who live in those states where Shari’ah law has been adopted, and give courage and strength to those who face discrimination and persecution. We ask that You would especially comfort those who have lost family and friends in the violence. In Your mercy, restore peace so that differing communities can live alongside one another in harmony. Help those who govern to do so with integrity and wisdom. Bless the work of those who seek to bring reconciliation and peace to this troubled nation. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen. |
