Christmas Attacks Claim Lives of 46 in Nigeria and DRC Amid Ongoing Persecution

A recent wave of violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in 46 deaths during the Christmas season, as groups such as Fulani militants and the ADF carry out brutal attacks. Communities are left grappling with trauma and loss while calls for prayer and protection grow louder among advocates and church leaders.

In the period surrounding Christmas, a tragic wave of violence resulted in the deaths of 46 individuals in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This heartbreaking situation unfolded as members of Christian communities were targeted during what is typically a time of joy and celebration. Fulani militants struck during Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, particularly in the Kwande local government area, claiming the lives of eleven believers. Survivors recounted harrowing accounts of the attacks that occurred while families were preparing meals and celebrating the holiday.

Earlier, on December 22, armed men launched a deadly assault in the Gidan Ado community of Nigeria’s Plateau State, killing fourteen individuals, including vulnerable women and children. The recent violence has left many Christians, who primarily rely on agriculture for sustenance, anxious for their safety. As expressed by Jo Newhouse of Open Doors, there is significant concern for the welfare of these beleaguered communities that have faced trauma and loss in the preceding year.

Simultaneously, in the DRC’s North Kivu province, rebel attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) resulted in at least twenty-one civilian fatalities. Reports indicate that these attacks included unimaginable acts such as arson and property theft. While it is uncertain how many of the victims were Christians, the ADF has consistently targeted this faith community in their quest for a caliphate.

Advocates are calling for solidarity in prayer for these affected communities and urging the global church to join them in opposing violent persecution. They seek divine intervention for peace, safety, and the strength to continue their faith amidst such adversity. The cries for justice and protection are echoed through petitions such as the global Arise Africa campaign, aimed at restoring hope and security for persecuted believers across the region.

The context of this tragic situation highlights the ongoing and increasing violence that Christian communities face in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Christmas season, a time meant for peace and celebration, has instead become a period marked by brutal attacks and a sense of vulnerability for these communities. Fulani militants and rebel groups, such as the ADF, have made targeted assaults a disturbing trend, resulting in loss of life and destabilization of local populations. This violence underscores the urgent need for protective measures and international attention to the plight faced by Christians in these regions, often at the mercy of extremist ideologies.

In summary, the recent Christmas attacks that led to the deaths of 46 individuals in Nigeria and the DRC serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing persecution faced by Christian communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The incidents have not only highlighted the dangers these communities encounter daily but also emphasized the need for concerted efforts for protection and support. As the affected families and communities grapple with grief and fear, the call for global solidarity and prayer is paramount, seeking divine intervention and justice for the victims and their families.

Original Source: www.opendoorsuk.org