Source: www.persecution.org
Date: October 2, 2021
Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – In the early hours of July 5, 2021, gunmen invaded Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, and kidnapped an estimated 121 students.
The Associated Press reported that the kidnappers released 10 of the students on Sunday, leaving 11 students still in captivity.
“If we have the power, we would have brought them,” Reverend John Hayab told AP when asked about the remaining 11 students. “The bandits are the ones in control, we now have to play along softly and get our children back.”
Over 1,400 students have been abducted just this year in Nigeria—a sharp increase over previous years in what is a relatively new trend. The mass abduction of schoolchildren began in 2014 when the Islamist terror group Boko Haram abducted 276 mostly Christian girls from a school in Chibok.
We thank God for the release of these children to their parents and pray for the thousands who remain in captivity. We ask you to join us in praying for Nigeria, for the Lord to comfort those uncertain of their children’s whereabouts, and for those who persecute the church to find faith in Jesus Christ.