LAGOS, NIGERIA (2:15 p.m., PST) – A Million Women Nigeria has called a solemn assembly for prayer and repentance due to the violence Christians currently living in Nigeria experience. The initiative scheduled a national call to prayer and fasting for Saturday (Jul. 25), wherein Christians from all over the world can join in prayer for improved conditions in the country.
To date, it is estimated that more than 50,000 Christians have been murdered in Nigeria due to the country being overtaken by Islamic terrorists. Last year alone points to at least 3,500 Christians being killed for their religion.
Emeka Umeagbalasi, Director of Intersociety, recently sat down with Crux Now to express concerns about the precedent being set by Islamic terrorists, commonly referenced as Boko Haram, and the generational effects of such violence.
“While Muslims and traditionalists are also affected, Christians are disproportionately impacted,” Umeagbalasi said of the situation. “An estimated 19,700 churches have been destroyed. Christians constitute the majority of abducted religious leaders and make up 95 percent of kidnapped schoolchildren.”
Boko Haram presents Western education as a sin and seeks to implement “pure” Sharia law as a way to alleviate the problems Nigerian Muslims, especially those living in the north, face.
“Jihadists give captives a stark ultimatum: Convert to Islam and be released unharmed or be killed,” Umeagbalasi told Crux Now when speaking of the current conditions of the country. “Under extreme duress, young women and children are indoctrinated and forced into hijabs, as seen with the 416 women and children released in Ngoshe.”
A Million Women Nigeria seeks to present a united front among Christians throughout the world. “In this critical hour, we gather across Nigeria to fast, pray, and repent,” the organizers shared.
“We stand united — proclaiming life, standing with the persecuted Church, and pleading the Blood of Jesus over every state, every city, and every home. Hope is rising. Nigeria shall be saved.”
Learn more about A Million Women Nigeria here.