By Lawrence Zongo
(Miango) On Nov. 3, 2024, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, believers across the globe came together in prayer and solidarity, shining a light on the struggles of Christians who endure persecution for their faith. This annual observance, championed by organizations such as International Christian Concern (ICC), draws attention to the violence and discrimination faced by believers worldwide. Among the many affected is Pastor Gah Yohanna Sunday, a leader with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) a faith leader of the Irigwe community in Bassa, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Spiritual Calling Amid Turmoil
Pastor Gah’s journey began in 2005 when he embraced Christianity. Initially pursuing a career in accounting, he felt a profound calling to pastoral ministry. “I prayed for clarity, and God revealed my purpose as a pastor,” he recalls. Since then, he has devoted his life to guiding his community, despite constant threats of violence.
A Community Under Siege
For more than two decades, the Irigwe people, a predominantly Christian farming community in Northcentral Nigeria, have faced relentless attacks by Islamist extremists from the Fulani ethnicity. Ambassador Ezekiel Peter Bini, President of the Irigwe Youth Movement, paints a grim picture of the devastation:
“Since 2001, over 2,000 people have been killed, 30,000 homes destroyed, and countless families left in despair. We now have more than 600 widows and 5,000 orphaned children, many of whom have had to abandon their education due to the violence,” Bini told a gathering on Sunday, Nov. 3rd.
“The economic toll has been equally severe,” he went on to say. “With over 500 hectares of farmland rendered inaccessible due to insecurity, food shortages have become a grim reality. “Our farmers live in constant fear, unable to cultivate their fields,”
Faith Amid Destruction
Pastor Gah has experienced these horrors firsthand. “They recently killed four people, destroyed crops, and burned homes, including mine,” he shares. Despite losing his home and farmland, Pastor Gah remains resolute, drawing strength from scriptures such as Romans 8:28-39 and Ephesians 6:10-18.
“God is good, even when His plans are beyond our understanding,” he said.
Systematic Targeting of Christians
The violence against the Irigwe community is part of a broader, systematic campaign targeting Christians in Nigeria. Churches have been destroyed, and resources remain scarce. “Humanitarian organizations such as Stefanos Foundation, the Red Cross, and the Norwegian Refugee Council provide vital support, but it’s not enough,” Pastor Gah tells TruthNigeria.
Bini adds that the attacks are designed to displace Christian communities and strip them of their livelihoods. “This violence aims to impoverish and displace our people, weakening our faith and resolve,” he says.
The Power of Collective Prayer
Amid these trials, collective prayer has become a cornerstone of hope and resilience. Stefanos Foundation recently organized a prayer session in Jos, Plateau State, anchored in the promise of 2nd Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray… I will hear from heaven…”*
Participants lifted their voices, seeking divine intervention for peace and restoration. Pastor Gah remains optimistic: “Our suffering will end, whether in this life or the next. I will continue to proclaim the gospel.”
Advocacy and Support for the Vulnerable
Pastor Gah’s ministry extends beyond the pulpit. Recently, he visited 23 widows in the Miango District, encouraging them to remain steadfast despite their immense losses. “Their strength inspires us all,” he says, urging the international community to provide tangible support.
Bini echoed this call during the prayer gathering, emphasizing the need for unity and advocacy. “We need policy changes, greater support for affected families, and dialogue with neighboring communities,” he said. “We trust in God’s sovereignty and commit to working for peace and reconciliation.”
Plea for International Support
The Irigwe Youth Movement has issued a plea for global assistance to rebuild their shattered community. “We need help to reconstruct homes, provide education for orphans, and empower widows,” Bini says. “Our people also need security to access their farmlands and rebuild their livelihoods.”
Moses Gata, a Christian Rights activist in Jos, underscores the urgency: “The violence faced by the Irigwe reflects the broader crisis of religious persecution in Nigeria. This is not just a local issue; it’s a global one. The international community must act decisively to protect vulnerable communities.”
Despite the immense challenges, Bini remains hopeful. “We trust in God’s plan and are committed to peace and reconciliation,” he says. “But we cannot do it alone. We need the international community to stand with us.”
As the world marks the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, the story of the Irigwe people serves as a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to persevere in the face of persecution. Their resilience highlights the urgent need for global solidarity and action.
“Today, as we pray for persecuted Christians worldwide, let us also take tangible steps to support them,” Pastor Gah said. “Together, we can work toward a future marked by justice, peace, and compassion.”
Lawrence Zongo, founder of Rural Watch, is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
