Scores Dead, Children Burned Alive in Boko Haram Attack
Nigeria (Voice of the Persecuted) — Last night while praying with a Nigerian Catholic priest on the January Prayer Conference Call Event, he informed us an explosion took place near the city. We learned the Boko Haram had launched a massive attack, that explosions and an intense gunbattle was taking place, people were fleeing for their lives and many were feared dead and injured. The military fought the insurgents in the villages of Dalori and Wanori.
According to survivors and soldiers, scores of charred corpses and bodies with bullet wounds littered the streets from Saturday, last night’s attack on Dalori village just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram and the biggest city in the northeast. One survivor who hid in a tree said he watched Boko Haram extremists firebomb huts and heard the screams of children among people burned to death in the latest attack by Nigeria’s homegrown Islamic extremists. As he wept on a telephone call to The Associated Press, another survivor said the shooting and burning continued for four hours and several of his family members were killed or wounded. The AP report claims a soldier at the scene said three female suicide bombers blew up among people who were fleeing to neighboring Gamori village, killing many people. The soldier insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to journalists.
It was not known how many people were killed because bodies still were being collected. including from the surrounding bushes where the insurgents hunted down fleeing villagers, according to Abba Shehu, a security guard helping collect corpses.
A civilian Joint Task Force said about 100 people were killed and many were missing.
Sahara Reporters shared a photos of the destruction and reported,
The militants who operated unchallenged were said to have stormed the town in 10 Hilux vans and motorcycles dressed in army uniforms as they took their time to raze down houses in Dalori village also livestock were burnt after they had looted and carted away foodstuffs. Several civilians were burnt beyond recognition.
A resident of the village, Mallam Buka Dalori told our correspondent that ”we were helpless, could you believe that there was no military presence in Dalori, the government didn’t provide security to protect us. I lost 11 people, and 5 of children are nowhere to be found. ”
Another resident Ibrahim Muhammad said that Boko Haram fighters dressed like military personnel and started opening fire on everybody, “all our wives and children were brutally killed while they looted and destroyed our livestock [as well].”
Their correspondent later visited Dalori village and saw that the village was completely razed down and every home seen people wailing also several people burnt including children. See report and photos
On Friday, January 29, a suicide bomber suspected to be a member of the Boko Haram sect detonated a suicide vest at a crowded market in Gombi town in Adamawa state.
A vigilante leader confirmed the incident saying that 20 people including the bomber died in the explosion.
Boko Haram has taken to attacking soft targets, increasingly with suicide bombers. The murderous Islamic uprising has been ongoing since 2009 and drove 2.5 million from their homes.
Voi
ce of the Persecuted (VOP) is caring for internal refugees from Christian villages hardest hit by the Boko Haram. Many children reside at the camp, including those orphaned and woman made widows in the insurgency. Their needs are immense. Please consider supporting this mission to care for those suffering great physical and emotional trauma. VOP is on the ground in Nigeria, GO with us on the mission through your gifts.
We want you to know that even in great hardship, they thank God and feel extremely blessed that He has kept His hand on them. They have been so encouraged and thank God for each one of you who have joined this mission through your support and they keep you in their prayers.
Together with your generous help, we can reach the goal to alleviate horrific suffering. In darkness and desperation, let us serve in love, with open arms and giving hands to provide light and hope.
Everyday, we thank God that He is working through you to care for His children and further His Kingdom! As you greatly bless others, may God continue to bless you. Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do it without you!
You may also send your gift to:
2740 Third St
P.O. Box 122
Trenton, MI. 48183
Urgent Prayer Request Gun Battle and Explosions in North Nigeria
(Voice of the Persecuted) While praying on the call with a church leader in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital in Nigeria, he informed us an explosion had just taken place on the outskirts of the city. We learned more explosions and an intense gun battle was taking place. Residents fled Dalori village as Boko Haram insurgents attacked. We are told the entire village was on fire and everyone was panicking. Fleeing villagers fear many have been injured or killed in the attack.
Please pray for Nigeria and the faithful who have suffered intensely. Pray for their faith to increase and that they will endure all trials in Christ, our Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray they will have peace, protection and rest. We pray for the end of the conflict in Nigeria. Thank you, Father for the opportunity to love, be connected, hear their voices and pray for our Nigerian brothers and sisters. Glory to You, forever and ever! Amen
Jan. 31, 2016 READ UPDATE
Severely Persecuted – A Family’s Incredible Story of Survival and Faith
Sharing this story for the Prayer Warriors who were able to pray with this family, today on the call.
Living in an area now dangerous to be a Christian, a persecuted family describes their harrowing journey to escape one of the most violent terror groups in the world. With no time to gather any belongings, they could bring only one thing, their FAITH.
(Voice of the Persecuted) Northern Nigeria is an area where we’ve been called and blessed to serve persecuted Christians. The Islamic group, Boko Haram has committed brutal atrocities against the Christians living in the north. Many church leaders believe they are attempting to eradicate Christianity from the region. Based on the Boko Haram’s murderous campaign for the past 6 years, it’s hard to disagree with them. The Christians have begged for help, but there is much silence and a lack of interest from the international community to alleviate their suffering. Due to the severity of the crisis, we could not desert them. In prayer, we would intercede on their behalf and be their VOICE.
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Hunger grips millions across Middle East as conflict fighters use food as weapon of war
BEIRUT: In a Middle East torn apart by war and conflict fighters are increasingly using food as a weapon of war.
Millions of people across countries like Syria, Yemen and Iraq are gripped by hunger, struggling to survive with little help from the outside world.
Children suffer from severe malnutrition, their parents often having to beg or sell possessions to get basic commodities including water, medicine and fuel.
The biggest humanitarian catastrophe by far is Syria, where a ruinous five year civil war has killed a quarter of a million people and displaced half the population.
All sides in the conflict have used punishing blockades to force submission and surrender from the other side, a tactic that has proved effective particularly for government forces seeking to pacify opposition-held areas around the capital Damascus.
Since October,…Read more
Please pray for those in a magnitude of suffering, pray for help. Pray for an end to the conflicts, pray for the presence of the Lord and pray for the lost to be found.
Suicide Bombings in Two Towns in Nigeria Leave 26 Dead, Dozens Injured
Parents in Chibok lament kidnapping of their daughters. (VOA)
Nigeria (Morning Star News) – Suicide attacks on two predominantly Christian communities in northeast Nigeria today and on Wednesday (Jan. 27) left at least 26 persons dead and dozens of others injured, sources said.
At noon [yesterday], a suicide bomber suspected to have been sent by the Islamic extremist Boko Haram group detonated explosives in a crowded market in Gombi, Adamawa state, killing at least eight people, sources said. Boko Haram, which seeks to impose sharia (Islamic law) throughout Nigeria, has continued to carry out terrorist attacks since losing territory to the Nigerian military last year.
“Some members of our church who escaped the attack in the market said they saw eight dead bodies, while about 28 others were injured,” the Rev. Bitrus Njidda, pastor of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) in the town, told Morning Star News.
The Red Cross reported eight persons killed and 25 wounded in the bombing, said to have been carried out by a teenage boy.
Gombi was one of several Christian communities taken over by Boko Haram, and many of the town’s displaced Christians are EYN members still living in camps for internally displaced people in other parts of the country, the pastor said. Though the Nigerian military has since reclaimed Gombi, many of these displaced Christians have refused to return to the town due to fear of terrorists.
In Chibok, Borno state, suicide bombers suspected to have been sent by Boko Haram bombed a crowded market on Wednesday (Jan. 27), killing at least 17 civilians and a soldier and injuring at least 30 others, sources said. Following the government troop recovery of the town, the market had reopened that day for the first time since Boko Haram took over Chibok two years ago, area Christians said.
Boko Haram kidnapped more than 300 high school girls in Chibok in April 2014 because of its mainly Christian population. Of the girls kidnapped since the Islamic extremist rebels seized the town two years ago, 219 remain missing.
Six suicide bombers reportedly entered Chibok on Wednesday, and The AP reported a military spokesman said that two of them were disguised as women.
Ayuba Ali, a resident of Chibok town, told Morning Star News that more than 15 persons lost their lives and another 30 were injured in the attack carried out in three locations in the town.
“Twenty-one wounded people have already been taken to Askira Uba General Hospital,” Ali said by phone. “Chibok is still not safe for displaced persons to return to.”
Njidda, who was a pastor and EYN church secretary in Chibok District before his transfer to Gombi, told Morning Star News that reports reaching him from Chibok indicate members of the church were affected.
“While I was pastoring the church there,” he added, “I had to bury more than 45 members of my church who were killed by Boko Haram Islamists in a single day. It is an incident I cannot forget in my life.”
The first explosion in Chibok reportedly hit at a military checkpoint, where a soldier was wounded and later succumbed to his injuries. At the crowded market, a woman that authorities were about to search blew herself up, killing several people and wounding a commander, according to The AP. Veiled women or men dressed as women detonated other explosives at the market, it reported.
Recently Boko Haram, which originated in Maiduguri, Borno state and has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, has increasingly used child and adult suicide bombers who may have been captured by the terrorist group. The bombers may not be carrying out the atrocities willingly; some explosives have been detonated remotely, a military bomb expert has told The AP.
Boko Haram launched a violent campaign in 2009 that has killed an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 people and forced more than 2.5 million to flee their homes. Muhammadu Buhari, president of the 51-percent Christian and 45-percent Muslim country, last month declared that Boko Haram had been “technically” defeated. – 29/1/2016
Voice of the Persecuted (VOP) is caring for internal refugees from Christian villages hardest hit by the Boko Haram. Many children reside at the camp, including those orphaned and woman made widows in the insurgency. Their needs are immense. Please consider supporting this mission to care for those suffering great physical and emotional trauma. VOP is on the ground in Nigeria, GO with us on the mission through your gifts.
We want you to know that even in great hardship, they thank God and feel extremely blessed that He has kept His hand on them. They have been so encouraged and thank God for each one of you who have joined this mission through your support and they keep you in their prayers.
Together with your generous help, we can reach the goal to alleviate horrific suffering. In darkness and desperation, let us serve in love, with open arms and giving hands to provide light and hope.
Everyday, we thank God that He is working through you to care for His children and further His Kingdom! As you greatly bless others, may God continue to bless you. Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do it without you!
You may also send your gift to:
2740 Third St
P.O. Box 122
Trenton, MI. 48183
ISIS Release 22 Assyrian Hostages in Syria
Bishop Aprim with the Assyrian hostages from Khabur who were released today by ISIS. Photo: AINA
(AINA) — ISIS today released 22 Assyrian hostages in Syria. 16 of the hostages were captured on February 23 when ISIS attacked the 35 Assyrian villages on the Khabur river in the Hasaka province. ISIS captured 253 in the initial attack and drove 3,000 Assyrians from their villages. The other 6 hostages who were released were captured in the town of Qaryatain on August 6, 2015, when ISIS captured the town (AINA 2015-08-07).
The group of released hostages was comprised of women and children.
ISIS executed three of the Khabur hostages on September 23 (AINA 2015-10-08). The number of Assyrians from Khabur still being held is now 73.
With the release of 6 Assyrians from Qaryatain ISIS is now holding 179 Assyrians from that town.
Related: Attacks on Assyrians in Syria By ISIS and Other Muslim Groups
ISIS has released Assyrians from Khabur on the following dates:
- January 29, 2016: 16 released
- January 14, 2016: 16 released
- December 25: 25 released
- December 9: 25 released
- November 24: 10 released
- November 7: 37 released
- August 11: 22 released
- June 16: Francois Sawa released
- May 26: two elderly women released, Ramziyya Rehana (80) from Tel Jazira and Yoniyya Kanoon (70) from Tel Shamiran
- March 3: Two Assyrians from Tel Shamiram were released, Yatroun Marko and his wife Wardiyya Yonan. Two Assyrians from Tel Goran were released, 6 year-old Mariana Mirza and her father’s aunt, Bobo Mirza.
- March 1: 19 Assyrians Released, all from the village of Tel Goran
The Assyrian hostages from Qaryatain who were released today by ISIS. Photo:AINA
ISIS Has released Assyrians from Qaryatain on the following dates:
- January 29, 2016: 6 released
- October 14, 2016: 50 released
- September 4, 2015: 15 released
The following are the names of the hostages released from Khabur:
- Sabina Hawil Youkhana
- Ramina Hawil Youkhana
- Lewis Hawil Youkhana
- Christine Joseph Lazar
- Bashara Joseph Lazar
- Katrine Joseph Lazar
- Peter Joseph Lazar
- Ilyan Saeed Youkhana
- AlmasSaeed Youkhana
- Lewis Saeed Youkhana
- Sargon Ninus Sarkis
- Yosip Ninus Sarkis
- Valentina Paulus Odisho
- Marganta Yushiya Adam
- Somer Shawil Elisha
Please pray for Christians in Syria.
Persecuted Christians Cry Out To The Church: “Please give us a chance”
Child suffering from lack of medical treatment. Photo Voice of the Persecuted
(Voice of the Persecuted) Too many have been forced from their homes, villages, even countries from the violence and threats against them. Many are left with no means to fend for themselves. Without the love and support of caring hearts, they go hungry, homeless and often succumb to illness and disease. Each day we hear, “Please give us a chance” from those who are suffering for Christ. They cry, “Please help us”.
The picture above reflects the ongoing suffering many experience through persecution. When John and his family fled from their home seeking freedom from persecution, they faced a new battle and ongoing suffering in Thailand. Because his father is prevented from legally working, there was no money to take his son for much needed medical treatment. Unfortunately, his hands became worse and he developed a severe infection. This little boy experienced great pain and suffering. By the time treatment was finally provided, John had to spend 10 days in the hospital. How heartbreaking it progressed to this point before someone provided the funds to care for this child. Infections like John’s are common and likely due to a lack of nutrition and and the inability to purchase hygiene products. Many find it hard to even buy a toothbrush.
Child suffering from lack of medical treatment, hospitaiized. Photo: Voice of the Persecuted
The situation for this family has not changed. John and his 2 siblings continue to go underfed. From month to month, his parents wonder how much longer they will have a roof over their heads or be forced out on the streets. Families like John’s suffer silently while waiting on the UNHCR asylum process which takes years. A staggering amount of these Pakistani Christians suffer to the extreme. They receive very little or no help to sustain and help them endure the painfully long wait to be moved to a welcoming nation. Many parents can’t even buy milk and diapers for their babies. Sadly, too few are trying to cover their needs. The UNHCR does not have a program to care for their needs, nor can they protect them from being arrested as illegals. Thailand doesn’t recognized asylum seekers. In 2011, James Lynch, a UNHCR Representative for Thailand said,
“The UN refugee agency believes no refugee should be locked up simply for being a refugee, so we applaud any measure that gets refugees out from behind bars. At the same time, we continue to work with the Thai government to prevent refugees from being arbitrarily rounded up and sent to detention centres.”
Unfortunately, it’s 2016 and the arrest rate of innocents fleeing persecution and hold UNHCR asylum certificates has risen. The approx. $1450USD to bail them out is an extremely high amount for most of us working for their survival. This costs takes food and shelter away from families suffering ‘outside’. The Thai government has developed a monthly plan to raid places known to house these Christian asylum seekers. They have ramped up their efforts to round them up and hold them in the most horrific conditions at the immigration detention centre. When funds are available, Voice of the Persecuted delivers nutritional food and toiletries for those suffering in the IDC. We remain in prayer that something can be worked out between the government and the UNCHR Bangkok office for their protection. We continue pray their asylum interviews can be fast tracked and moved to a country where they can worship Christ freely…this is their hope.
Severe depression and high blood pressure from stress, even in the young, is a critical issue among Pakistani asylum seekers. They are overlooked by government agencies and the Church as a whole. How can the Church ignore the suffering of the weakest members of the Body of Christ? They tell us the world has forgotten them, or looks at them as beggars. We assure them they are not, the world has left them no other choice.
Voice of the Persecuted is able to pay the costs of John’s medical care and hospitalization, but the family’s ongoing needs are a major concern. Without help, they’re lives remain at great risk.
To help John’s family, those we already cover month to month, and the many praying for relief on our waiting list, we ask, we beg, we pray for your help. In one of our cases, multiple families stay together in a two room ‘apartment’. All the adults except one woman have been arrested and taken to the IDC. She’s caring for 9 children on her own and is worried how they will survive. In another case, a woman with 6 children waits near the top of our list. She too cares for her children alone…her husband has been detained in the IDC for over 4 months.
We are short on the amount necessary to provide next month’s expenses for those we already care for. Voice of the Persecuted relies on the generosity of people like you, members of the Body of Christ to help this mission continue. If you can and would like to sponsor John’s family, the costs to cover shelter, food and basic necessities is only $230 USD per month. So many families are in great need. Take this information to your church, or faith group. Ask if the congregation could sponsor even one of these families or those still waiting on the lists. The costs would barely be felt by each individual. We are happy to send you or your church updates, photos and messages from ‘your family’. They would also love prayers, encouragement and messages from you!
For more information to aid a persecuted family in Thailand, contact us at info@voiceofthepersecuted.org
Let us not forget them, nor think as the world, ‘someone else will step up to help’. Let us not regret the loss of even one of these ‘family members’ when there is surely a way to share and provide. But any help you can give is appreciated more than you could ever know.
L Kanalos, VOP Founder
Together with your generous help, we can reach the goal to alleviate horrific suffering. In darkness and desperation, let us serve in love, with open arms and giving hands to provide light and hope.
Everyday, we thank God that He is working through you to care for His children and further His Kingdom! As you greatly bless others, may God continue to bless you. Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do it without you!
You may also send your gift to:
2740 Third St
P.O. Box 122
Trenton, MI. 48183
Article/photos may be reprinted with credit to Voice of the Persecuted.
THIS FRIDAY! Join the JANUARY PRAYER EVENT: Praying #JusticeInJanuary for the Persecuted Church
24 HOUR PRAYER CONFERENCE CALL EVENT Friday, Jan. 29-Saturday Jan. 30
Call in from any location and unite in PRAYER for the Persecuted. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS and downloadable flier- JANUARY PRAYER EVENT: Praying #JusticeInJanuary for the Persecuted Church
VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED 