A congregation of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) was one of those attacked on Sunday by Islamist extremists. At least one EYN member was killed and several more injured. Nigerian church leaders have been requesting prayer for the situation in their country, where the Boko Haram sect has been targeting churches as well as government facilities and police stations with terrorist-type violence.
Media reports indicate that two attacks were made against churches this past Sunday, June 10. In Biu, a city in northeast Nigeria, gunmen opened fire at the Church of the Brethren killing at least one person, and injuring others. Also attacked the same day was Christ Chosen Church of God in Jos, a city in central Nigeria. The second attack was carried out by a suicide car bomber who was killed along with four other people. Some 40 people were injured in the Jos incident.
EYN leadership reports that the attack in Biu was carried out by five gunmen who came and surrounded the church, and started shooting indiscriminately. An alert watchman closed the gate to the church, but the gunmen then began shooting into the church through the walls. At the time there were about 400 people in the church service, including children. One woman was killed and a number of people were injured, but of the injured only two church members sustained major injuries.
An e-mail from EYN leadership noted the relatively few serious injuries as a matter for thanksgiving, given the circumstances. “So, continue to pray for us and for Nigerian Christians,” it said.