About 70 Christians were murdered in Nigeria in November, according to Release International.
The organization says the attacks stem from Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, a group the U.S. government has labeled a “Foreign Terrorist Organization.” The name of the group, Boko Haram, means “Western education is forbidden.”
This weekend, Boko Haram also launched a raid on a Nigerian air force base.
“It is a big deal, it shows the capability of Boko Haram is growing,” Murtala Touray, senior Africa analyst at IHS Country Risk in London, said today by phone. “For Boko Haram to plan this attack, it shows they are a force to be reckoned with, they can take on the Nigerian army.”
In light of the attacks, Release International is campaigning for more protection for Nigerian citizens. The group is also asking for donations for emergency medical treatment and trauma workshops. They are also asking for prayer for Christians in Nigera that “will stand firm, know God’s presence and his peace, and forgive those who are trying to kill them.”
The Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom estimates that Boko Haram has killed about 900 Christians in the past year.
"We are appealing, we are pleading with you people, please help us...We are appealing to you come to our aid,” a Nigerian woman, Florence, told Christian Today. “Pray for us. All we need is prayer.”
