On Sunday, 12 January 2025, Boko Haram extremists began attacking Christian majority communities in the Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State. Field sources indicate that since the end of last year, the group has killed at least 10 Christians, injured several, and set ablaze at least 5 churches and several houses. Counting is still underway to determine how many Christians have been displaced in the attack.
Prior to this attack, Boko Haram has been targeting other communities in the Chibok area. Three days before Christmas, on 22 December 2024, multiple villages were attacked. On 1 January 2025, they burnt a church to the ground. One week later, they burned down another.
Reuben Amos, local resident and treasurer of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Chibok Local Government Area, shares that, altogether, 12 churches were affected, though not all were burnt. Some were simply damaged and looted. He adds that, on 20 January 2025, another Christian community, Shikarkir, was attacked, resulting in 8 people killed, 57 homes destroyed, and 25 cows lost.
Targeting of Christian Houses
Field reports reveal that the attackers targeted and burnt structures belonging to Christians. It’s alleged that in every of the communities that they attacked, they also took on the church therein.
A field contact shares, “…the attackers burn down houses, food barns, and whatever they find belonging to Christians, leaving those owned by Muslims within the communities they attack.”
“They are only Christians…only Christians…even if there is a mosque, they don’t burn the mosque. They only burn Christian houses and churches,” shares Pastor Yarakawa Mutah, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) in Chibok.
Displacements and Pressure on Faith
The attacks have left many homeless with considerable loss of property. Local sources say over 4,000 people have been displaced by this particular spate of attacks. Many have also fled the community for fear of another attack by the Islamic extremists. Most of those who have fled are women and children.
The population of Chibok LGA is over 95% Christian. Field sources say only three communities in the Chibok LGA have not been attacked. Out of fear, some of their inhabitants have relocated to other communities as far as the border with Cameroon.
Local partners say these attacks have caused immense fear among Christians within the affected communities. Converts from a Muslim background and believers who are not adequately disciples are being enticed to convert to Islam to be safe from Boko Haram.
Open Doors’ partners are planning to deliver emergency relief aid to 500 households in the area.
Pray for Nigeria
- Please pray for the ongoing situation; for the Lord’s intervention to stop the attacks and to bring calm to the situation.
- Pray for God’s comfort for those who have lost loved ones and property during these recent attacks.
- Pray for strength of mind for the displaced, living under deplorable conditions in Chibok and other areas deemed safer.
*Names changed for security purposes
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