Christians Targeted and "Butchered Like Animals" Nearly Every Day In Northern Nigeria

Voice of the Martyrs workers say Christians in northern Nigeria are facing unprecedented trials and fierce persecution. It was, therefore, a special privilege for VOM workers to distribute the gift of 37 bicycles, 15 motorcycles and 50 megaphones to pastors and Christian workers in the north recently. These simple tools will help them evangelize and preach the gospel in northern Nigeria.

At a distribution in Gombe state, one of the hardest hit areas in the north, at least 2,500 Christians gathered for a worship service. Widows, orphans, pastors and entire families from all over Gombe came together to hear a pastor preach about loving their neighbors. The pastor reminded worshipers that they must not hate their attackers and that the martyr, Stephen, forgave his attackers.

"At this point, I began to realize the weight of love," a VOM worker at the distribution said. "This made everyone focus on the Lord's intent and design for us, which surpasses all understanding."

Christians are targeted and "butchered like animals" nearly every day in northern Nigerian cities, with little alarm sounded by the international community, according to the VOM worker. Christians are targeted in their homes, at their businesses, on farms, while traveling on highways and even in their churches.