In the last week, northern and central Nigeria have faced several shocking kidnappings that have frightened many families. More than 200 children and staff were taken from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state during a night attack by gunmen known locally as bandits. A few days earlier, over 20 Muslim schoolgirls were kidnapped from another boarding school in Kebbi state, and a church in Kwara state was attacked, where two people were killed, and dozens of worshippers were taken. Witnesses described how the gunmen forced children to walk through the dark while riding motorbikes beside them. Parents said they felt helpless and abandoned, as authorities had warned schools to close, but some remained open. The government says it is working to rescue the victims, and President Tinubu has cancelled his foreign trips because of the crisis. Many people in Nigeria feel unsafe as kidnappings for ransom continue to rise across different states.

LORD, we pray for Your divine intervention in Nigeria to end the violence against innocent civilians, especially school children and Christians. We pray for the safe return of all the kidnapped victims (The Holy Bible, Psalm 9:19).

Almighty GOD, we pray for an improved security system and economy in Nigeria to end kidnappings for ransom. We plead for Your divine protection upon believers and children from all evil. Help the Nigerian authorities to rescue the victims soon (The Holy Bible, Psalm 121:1-2).

News Source: BBC

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