Over 80 people killed in Boko Haram attack

15 June 2020

Tragically, 81 people have been killed after the ISWAP faction of Boko Haram carried out a massive attack in the north-east of Nigeria.

The militants drove into Faduma Koloram village in Gubio district, Borno state, on Tuesday 9 June, opening fire on residents, who said the onslaught lasted for more than two hours. The Nigerian military said many women and children were among the dead. One survivor told CNN that the attackers had told the villagers they were going to deliver a religious sermon and asked them to hand over any weapons before they started firing. “Suddenly, they started shooting at will. Even children and women were not spared. Many were shot at close range,” the villager said.

It appears the attack may have come because the militants suspected residents of sharing information on the terror group's movements with security authorities. Nigeria's president instructed his military to ‘extract a heavy price’ from the suspected militants.

According to Open Doors contacts, it appears that no Christians were harmed in this attack, as they had already fled from the area because of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Violence in Nigeria, which is number 12 on the World Watch List, has only increased, largely due to Islamic extremist groups and militant Fulani herdsmen, who target Christian villages and communities. Nigeria remains the country where Christians are most likely to be killed for their faith.  

What’s life like for Christians in Nigeria?

Please join us in praying for the village of Faduma Koloram and all those affected by this attack.

PLEASE PRAY:

• For the families of the 81 people who were killed, that they would know God’s comforting presence with them, and that they would receive the support and healing that they need
• For the attackers, that they would be brought to justice, and that God would bring peace to Nigeria
• That the Nigerian government would have the wisdom and resources to protect their people.