Article source: incontextinternational.org

Judicial panels have been established in several Nigerian states to investigate police brutality across the country and the shooting of unarmed protesters in the country’s financial hub of Lagos on 20 October.

The establishment of an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reported cases of police misconduct and abuse has been one of the key demands of peaceful demonstrators who took to the streets across Nigeria, throughout October, to protest police violence and call for sweeping reforms. Despite authorities’ assurances that they would disband the notorious special anti-theft unit (known as SARS), protests continued and grew into a call for a complete overhaul of the police force. However, what began as peaceful demonstrations by thousands of youths, has since degenerated into chaos, and in some cases, opportunists have ‘hijacked’ the protests to pursue criminal objectives.

There have also been counterdemonstrations against the #EndSARS protestors, looting and destruction of property. The country has witnessed the worst street violence since its return to civilian rule in 1999. Excessive force by police and the army have led to numerous deaths and injuries. The use of lethal force drew international condemnation.

From a Christian perspective, on Monday and Tuesday (19-20 October) Christian leaders in Plateau, Kano and Kogi states led prayer walks of thousands of Christians in appeals for peace. However, as the peaceful #EndSars protests turned more violent and criminal elements were exposed, in some areas, church buildings and Christians became targets too.

There have been numerous accounts – reported by Morning Star News ­– where peaceful congregants, engaged in prayer walks for their nation, were attacked by angry mobs.

In Nigeria’s more volatile Islamic-majority northern areas, where Christians have been facing intense waves of persecution for years, it appears that some are using the current ‘lawlessness’ to perpetrate further attacks against believers and their places of worship.

Nigeria’s second-highest position in government is currently occupied by Yemi Osinbajo, who is not only the vice-president but is also a lawyer and a pastor. He, along with other believers in government, will need much prayer to steer their nation in a God-honouring direction.

Pray with us for the following:

  • For Nigeria’s government and leaders to respond constructively to the pleas of their people, while dealing effectively with criminality and lawlessness
  • For the Church to not shrink back from their role of visibly interceding for their nation, even though it could make them targets, including those in government, like Vice-President Osinbajo
  • For believers to share their faith and hope in Christ, that His Kingdom will advance during these uncertain times

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Date published: 04/11/2020
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Unsplash.com

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