Thousands of Christians in Benue State, Nigeria, are displaced and desperate for survival after a wave of brutal assaults left more than 200 people dead in June.
The attacks, carried out by radical Islamist militants, destroyed homes and food supplies, forcing entire communities into makeshift shelters where hunger and fear dominate daily life.
They invaded our village at night, around 10pm, recalls Imma*, a survivor. “They killed many of our people, including members of my husband’s family.”
Simon*, another survivor, described how the militants targeted villagers taking refuge: “After the attack, they burned down buildings, including stores where mothers and children were sleeping.”
Although some villagers were warned in advance, many could not escape. Food stores and homesalready destroyed in previous assaults were burned, leaving survivors with nothing.
Now, families are struggling in temporary shelters inside a local international market. With stable accommodation and no food reserves, their situation grows worse each day.
Because all of our food supplies have been burned, we don’t have anything to eat,” says Imma.
Since we arrived here, not all of us have a place to sleep. And there’s not enough food. I pray that God empowers fellow believers to help us.
Virtue*, an Open Doors partner on the ground, confirms the crisis: The situation is really not good people are still hungry. When you interview anybody, their main problem is hunger.
Open Doors, through its Arise Africa campaign, has already helped a few hundred believers with emergency aid.
But the need is overwhelming. More than 9,000 people have been identified as critically in need of urgent assistance.
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Every £49 can provide life-saving food, medicine, and essential supplies to a displaced Nigerian Christian family who has lost everything.
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Supporters can also sign the Arise Africa petition, calling for justice, protection and restoration for persecuted Christians across Nigeria and Africa.
Simon puts the appeal simply: To anyone who can help us, please support us who are displaced by extremists.”
Please pray Heavenly Father, please sustain and comfort Christians who are mourning, injured or fearful in the wake of these attacks. Provide food, shelter, medicine and encouragement for those who have lost everything.
May Your sovereign power and endless love thwart the plans of those who choose to do evil. men.
How you can respond
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Pray for comfort, provision, and strength for survivors.
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Give – Every £49 could sustain a displaced family with food and medicine for a month.
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Speak out – Join thousands of voices calling for justice and protection for vulnerable communities.
Thank you for standing with Nigerian Christians in this time of urgent need.
