Dear Asharf Ramelah, Since the introduction of Sharia law in northern Nigeria in 1999, religious violence has resulted in the death of 12,000 Nigerians, the displacement of thousands more, and the destruction of places of worship and private property.
The most recent violent attacks occurred on July 26 and 27, when the Islamic extremist group known as Boko Haram carried out attacks targeting government security officials, innocent civilians, police stations, and churches. Hundreds died as a result of these attacks. This violence, which started in Bauchi state, also engulfed the northern Nigerian states of Borno, Kanu and Yobe.
The Islamists razed twenty churches in Madiguri, Borno state and killed several Christians including: Sabo Yakubu, pastor of a Church of Christ congregation in Nigeria, Reverend Sylvester O Akpan, pastor of National Evangelical Mission, and Reverend George Orji, pastor of Good News of Christ Church.
In addition, in April 2009, several Christians were injured and places of worship destroyed after a group of Muslims attacked Christians while they were celebrating Easter in Niger State.
In February 2009, 11 people were killed and 14 churches and one mosque were burned down in Bauchi after Islamists carried out attacks against Christians in the city. Hundreds of innocent people lost their lives following one of the worst instances of religious violence in Jos in November 2008.
The violence and the resulting wanton destruction of lives and property are avoidable. Nigerian security officials have repeatedly failed to take preventive measures before such attacks occur. Also, Nigerian officials repeatedly fail to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice.
Would you join us petitioning the ambassador of Nigeria to take steps to protect the Christian minority in northern Nigeria? Please follow the instructions below and have your signatures back to us by September 19.
Here’s How You Can Help
#1 Pray: The first thing you can do to help is stop right now and ask the Lord to intervene.
#2 Next, review our petition. Nigerian officials are concerned about their relationship with the United States and other countries, so when the people shout, they will listen. We have also found that evil prefers to stay hidden and when we shine the light on it, it flees.
#3 Electronically sign the petition by clicking here.
Please get them back to us by September 19.
#5 Forward this email to all your email contacts and ask them to do the same.
Sincerely in Christ,
Jeff King
President, ICC
International Christian Concern