Nigeria Leader:  President Umaru Yar'Adua Population:  148 million (48% Christian) Main Religion:  Christianity/Islam Government:  Federal republic

Twelve northern states have imposed Islamic law in the past eight years, and there have been repeated outbreaks of ethnic and religious violence claiming many lives. More than 100 Christians were killed during 2008 and the destruction of many churches and kidnapping of believers continued through the year. In November, communal violence in the city of Jos saw six pastors killed, 40 churches destroyed and 369 Christians seriously injured.

Pray

• For comfort and healing for those caught up in the violence. Ask God to give courage to those living in fear of further attack
• For wisdom and strength for church leaders as they face this intimidation and try to restrain those who would retaliate
• For Christian parents bringing up their children in a society dominated by Islam, especially the widows of murdered pastors.

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