Gunmen broke into the home of Pastor Daniel Umaru in Njairi, Adamawa State, during the early morning hours of 6 July. The results of the attack were devastating to the family.
While Pastor Daniel survived the gunshot wound, his two sons were killed during the attack, and his 13-year-old daughter, Ijagla, was abducted. The pastor’s wife was left in a state of unconsciousness due to the shock.
On 9 July, a funeral service was held for the couple’s two slain sons at the Church of the Brethren where Pastor Daniel serves. It was consoling during this time of grief that just after the service, their daughter Ijagla was safely freed after a “huge ransom” had been paid to the kidnappers.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant problem in Nigeria, and Christians are frequently the victims of such attacks. Many of the perpetrators responsible for terrorising villages throughout the country operate from a militant Islamic perspective, causing them to commit acts of targeted violence against Christian communities.
Source: Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Barnabas Fund, Daily Trust, Vanguard, Sahara Reporters, TSB News
Please Pray
- Pray for physical healing over Pastor Daniel’s gunshot wound, as well as emotional healing for his wife and daughter, Ijagla.
- Pray for the family and community who are grieving the loss of Pastor Daniel’s two sons.
- Pray that governing authorities in Nigeria will make the perpetrators accountable for their crimes, with the hope of putting an end to violence inflicted on Christians in the nation.
It is so helpful, having these prayer requests sent by email – thank you – they also remind us that one day we might experience this type of persecution – these faithful believers inspire us to prepare and also remain faithful to our Lord
We are praying for all on Global Family Prayer tonight from Australia
Jesus is Lord
O Lord God … Creator of the heavens and the earth. Let the prayers of Your saints rise before Your face like incense. We pray for our brother Daniel, his wife and daughter, and all the saints in the Church of the Brethren … be strong and very courageous. As our Lord was with Joshua, so is He with you. Trust in Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will raise up His standard and throw confusion into his camp.
And Lord, comfort and strengthen our brother and sister as they mourn the loss of their sons, knowing that they are safe in the arms of Jesus. Let the words of the psalmist comfort their hearts:
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Ps. 116:15)
Amen, amen!