Turmoil Continues as Sharia Law is Implemented in Northern States (Nigeria)
Turmoil Continues as Sharia Law is Implemented in Northern States (Nigeria)
Despite assurances from Muslim and government rulers in northern Nigeria that Sharia law would not be enforced on the Christian population living there, VOM sources in Nigeria report that several incidents point to the fact that this is not taking place.
In one incident in mid-June, Muslim drivers of the Yankari Mass Transit buses allegedly began to segregate passengers at the motor park of the largely Christian town of Tafawa Balewa. Males were forced to occupy the front seats while females were asked to sit in the rear, as is stipulated by Muslim practice. When the Christians protested and refused to comply, the buses drove off empty and a peaceful demonstration by Christians resulted. The next day, the governor personally assured the Christian population that they would not be subject to Sharia law.
Two days later (June 18) approximately 1,000 Muslims massed in front of the police commissioner, Musa Abdulkadir, who appealed to them to disperse. They would not listen. Instead, the mob told the commissioner to give them only 30 minutes to “deal with Christiansâ€. The commissioner thought they were joking. Five minutes later, however, the mayhem started. The rat-a-tat of gunfire filled the air. Christians ran for their lives.
In the mayhem, approximately 50 homes were destroyed, along with the Advanced Bible Training School owned by the Church of Christ in Nigeria. Many in the village are now living as refugees without homes. Some have lost all of their possessions.
Pray for those who have been left destitute in the violence that continues to erupt in northern Nigeria. Pray that they will find hope in the Lord and the comfort of His Spirit. Pray for the President of Nigeria who is a follower of Jesus Christ. Pray that God would give him the wisdom to govern a country that is increasingly dividing along religious lines. Pray for the Christians of northern Nigeria that they would respond with Christian charity towards their persecutors and would not retaliate with like violence.
Voice of the Martyrs. Used with Permission.