Boko Haram in Nigeria

Testimony: Saved by the name of Jesus

Mr. Ousseini is a Fulani pastor born in Jos, Nigeria. This former Muslim chose to believe in the Messiah, Jesus, during some Christian meetings about 20 years ago. He continues to work in his own business while also working as a pastor. Pastor Ousseini is known by his former Muslim acquaintances and friends as a practicing believer. Many of his former acquaintances joined a Muslim cult group called Boko Haram.*

Recently, Pastor Ousseini was with several members of his church in a bus coming back from a Christian gathering when their vehicle became a target for Boko Haram gunmen. All the believers cried out the name of Jesus each time they heard shots.

Miracle

The driver was able to maneuver the vehicle so they could escape and head directly to a hospital. The hospital staff were surprised most of the people on the bus were not injured, and those who were, did not have haemorrhage’s or broken bones. All were able to return to their home the same evening.

This was not the first time that Pastor Ousseini had been a target of snipers from the Boko Haram movement. Each time he has seen how Jesus was his real protection, a fortress which saved him. Pray for the Christian community in northern Nigeria and in particular for those in the states of Borno and Jos. Pray for their deliverance from those who would seek their lives. Pray for a more peaceful coexistence and for the salvation of many Muslims.

Flag of Nigeria

Map of Nigeria

Various fundamentalist and conservative Islamic groups are at work in Nigeria (population 155 million) including the infamous Boko Haram. About half the country has an Islamic background although there are various degrees of adherence to Islamic teaching and lifestyle.

* Understanding Boko Haram

The Boko Haram group is a radical Islamist group which began in 2002, and came to international attention in 2009 when the Nigerian military had several clashes with armed members of the group leading to the death of over 700 people. The term “Boko Haram” comes from the Hausa word “boko” meaning “Western or non-Islamic education” and the Arabic word “haram” meaning “forbidden.” Boko Haram opposes not only Western education, but Western culture and modern science as well. The group has been the author of several attacks against Nigerian police and several Christian congregations and individuals in recent years. Many have suffered the loss of several members of their congregations.

Prayer Ideas:

• Pray for courage and wisdom for the Nigerian governmental, Christian and Islamic authorities who have to deal with the Boko Haram group and others (Romans 13:13-14).
• Pray for the families of the hundreds of victims of the terrorist attacks. Inner healing, counseling, God’s comfort, and concrete help are all needed (Isaiah 61:1).
• Pray for a revelation of Jesus among the Boko Haram militants and people who may be tempted to join them.

Below: A list of the principal Muslim ethnic groups in Nigeria. Please pray for one or more of these peoples that the Gospel might be spread among them):

• Over 1 million people:
  Hausa (19.9 million), Yoruba (8.35 million), Yerwa Kanuri, (4 million); Sokoto Fulani (2.2 million), Haabe Fulani (2.2 million), Bororo Fulani (1.95 million)
• Under one million but more than 100,000 people:
  Adamawa Fulani (975,000), Bauchi Fulani (701,000), Manga Kanuri (617,000), Igbo Fulani (520,000), Egba (418,000), Bade (310,000), Songhai (260,000), Arab, Shuwa (205,000), Bura (112,000), Igala (108,000)

Listen to the Podcast – DAY 24 – Boko Haram in Nigeria

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Background Information on Nigeria is Here →

Video: Who are Nigeria’s Boko Haram? [24:17]

(Long but insightful.)