Updates on the persecuted Church – 21 November 2023

Kidnapped Nigerian Christian school pupil freed at last; Two Nigerian pastors murdered; Elderly Christian shot dead in Turkey

• The last of the pupils of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna State, Nigeria, kidnapped by terrorists has been released after more than two years in captivity. Treasure Ayuba was abducted along with 120 other pupils in the early hours of 5 July 2021. His release was confirmed in a statement by the Kaduna State Governor Uba Shani on 4 November. The other students were set free individually or in groups at different times, most recently on 1 January 2022. Pastor John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, described Treasure’s captivity as “an infinite time of agonising pain until God intervened”. Give thanks for Treasure’s release and pray for the success of his rehabilitation as he adjusts to life after his long ordeal.
   
• Two pastors have been murdered by gunmen during kidnappings in Nigeria. Pastor Amako Maraya was killed and his wife, Grace, kidnapped when a gang stormed their home in Kauru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State on 17 November. Grace was freed on Sunday 20 November, and received hospital treatment. Pastor David Musa was abducted on 11 October as he made his way to his farm in Lokoja LGA, Kogi State. He was shot by his captors three days later. Pray that the Lord will comfort the pastors’ families and congregations in their loss. Ask for His intervention to bring about an end to the murders and kidnappings of His people in Nigeria.
    

• Christian Gevriye Ego, 91, was killed as he and his wife walked home at night from visiting a neighbour in the province of Mardin, south-eastern Turkey, on 6 November. Gevriye was shot multiple times in the head in front of his house in the Christian village of Enhil, and died in hospital. Christians have lived in south-east Turkey for many centuries, but are now a minority. Ask the Lord to draw close to Gevriye’s wife and heal her from the trauma of the attack. Pray for His protection over the Christian community.