Thousands fled for their lives as Boko Haram militants launched a five-hour attack on the town of Garkida in Nigeria’s Adamawa state.
The attack on the mainly Christian town began at 7pm on Friday when hordes of extremists arrived by truck and motorbike. They ransacked houses and set them alight, as well as burning down three churches and several public buildings.
Local Christians said that reports of an impending attack reached the town early on Friday afternoon after extremists were spotted in nearby Chibok. But military personnel stationed near Garkida failed to respond until the attack had begun – and the violence lasted for hours.
A number of Christians were reportedly abducted and others wounded, but precise figures are not yet known. Some reports say a soldier was killed.
Sources: Morning Star News, Release International
- Ask God to comfort and provide for all those affected by the Garkida attack. Remember those who are missing.
- Pray God will provide new premises for the Church of the Brethren, the Anglican Church and the Living Faith Church which were destroyed in the raid.
- Continue to pray for wisdom, courage and firm resolve for those in authority charged with ending the bloodshed in Nigeria.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus, pour out your Holy Spirit on all those who have been effected by the recent attacks in Garkida. In Psalm 146Vs5-7 we read, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.” Bring help, justice, food and comfort to each one as they have need and give special grace to those who have been abducted and their families. May faithful Christian witness prosper in spite of opposition and give ‘broken and contrite hearts’ to the Boko Haram militants. May those in positions of authority and influence look to you to know how best to deal with the unrest and violence.