In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33b
Nigerian Christians (2010)
“We killed them all”
Two journalists from a Nigerian Christian magazine, The Lightbearer, were en route to interview a local politician on 24 April 2010 when they were pulled from their motorbike and stabbed to death in a predominantly Muslim suburb of Jos, Plateau State.
Deputy editor Nathan Dabak and reporter Sunday Gyang Bwede were just two of the Christians martyred during intense anti-Christian violence in the early part of 2010. After the pair went missing, a friend called Nathan’s phone, only to hear the voice of a stranger say in reply, “We killed them all – you can do your worst.”
Their deaths followed the murders of Christian pastor Ishaya Kadah and his wife Selina, whose bodies were found on 15 April, two days after they were kidnapped in Boto village, Bauchi State. Four days later, the mutilated bodies of two elderly Christian farmers were found in the village of Rim, south of Jos.
Lord Jesus Christ, creator of heaven and earth;
you will never abandon those who put their trust in you.
We give you thanks,
you have prepared us to live in your heavenly city
and share in your kingdom.
We give you thanks:
you have strengthened us to overcome the serpent
and crush its head.
Grant rest to your servants,
let the violence of their enemies be placed upon me.
Grant peace to your Church;
may it be delivered from the oppression of the Wicked One.
Theodotus of Ancyra (martyred c. 303)