Source: www.csw,org.uk
Date: November 29, 2025
As we journey through Advent over the next four weeks, we will be grounding our prayers in Hebrews 13:3:
‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’
Today we especially remember those held captive in Nigeria.
You may have seen the news that 303 children and 12 teachers were abducted last week, when gunmen stormed a Catholic school in Niger State on 21 November. This is even larger than the infamous abduction of 276 Chibok girls in 2014, which sparked the global campaign #BringBackOurGirls.
Fifty who were taken last week managed to escape. Anthony Musa, the father of three of the abducted children, tragically died of a heart attack. Please pray urgently for the safe return of all who are held captive in Nigeria, including 82 Chibok girls whose whereabouts remain unknown, and Leah Sharibu, who was abducted in 2017.
Sadly, these are not isolated incidents. Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, has declared a nationwide security emergency, after a significant surge in armed violence and mass abductions across the country.
Days before the mass abduction in Niger State, armed assailants scaled the walls of a school in Kebbi State. They killed the assistant principal and injured a security guard, who later died in hospital. Thankfully, the 24 abducted Muslim schoolgirls were released unharmed on 25 November, possibly following a ransom payment.
In Borno State, 13 girls between 15 and 20 years old who were harvesting were abducted on 23 November by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) – one of several terrorist groups operating in Nigeria. One managed to escape, and most inhabitants have now fled the district. Attacks like this are contributing to dangerous hunger levels, especially among rural communities, as it has become riskier and riskier for people to tend farmlands and grow food.
You may have also seen in the news that 38 Christians were abducted from Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State on 18 November. Video footage captured the terrifying moment when Fulani militia interrupted the service, killing five people.
We give thanks that the 38 were later released, remembering that the outcome could have been very different. Rev James Audu was also abducted in Kwara State back in August, and was killed even though his captors had received the agreed ransom.
A few days ago, news broke that The Venerable Edwin Achi was killed when a ransom was not raised quickly enough. The Anglican priest and his wife Sarah were abducted in Kaduna State in October.
We extend our sincere condolences to families of Rev James Audu, Venerable Achi, and all who have been affected by this recent surge in attacks and abductions.
This a snapshot of the violence which Christian communities have endured in Nigeria’s northern and central states for over a decade. Thank you for standing with them, and joining our continued calls for action.
Please pray:
- Remembering those who are held captive this Advent, asking God to draw near with peace and hope that surpasses understanding.
- For decisive action that secures the safe return of all who have been abducted in Nigeria – both in this recent surge and over the past decade.
- Lord, may the named Christians in this email know you are with them this Christmas. As we rejoice that you came to set the captives free, we pray that the chains of the unjustly imprisoned will be broken.
- Lord, lead them out of captivity for good!
- That the perpetrators would not escape punishment or enjoy impunity.
- That the media will report accurately and consistently on the situation in Nigeria – taking care to neither minimise nor sensationalise the religious element of the violence.
- That the Lord will protect vulnerable communities and comfort all who will have empty chairs at the table this Christmas, because their loved ones have been abducted, unjustly imprisoned or killed because of their beliefs.