Nigeria (International Christian Concern) According to Sahara reporters, an unnamed group has written to the Christian community in Nigeria’s northern Zamfara state, warning churches to close or risk “ferocious attacks”.
Spokesperson for the Zamfara State police, DSP Mohammed Shehu, confirmed the threat to Sahara reporters.
“Yes, I can confirm that it’s true, a threat letter was sent to the Christians in Zamfara State to stop worship and to close churches,” he said.
“Actually, the police informed the Christian leaders about the threat. Accordingly, the CP has invited the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to discuss security measures around the churches.”
Zamfara State is in the northern part of Nigeria, a region governed by Islamic Sharia law, despite the country claiming to be secular. When a religion takes over the government, as it has in much of Nigeria’s north, it creates a social and judicial hierarchy along religious lines and makes religious minorities, in this case Christians, suffer due to their lack of conformity.
An anonymous Christian leader in Zamfara requested prayers from Christians around the world.
“Let’s pray for Christians in Northern Nigeria, especially in Zamfara State as we are issued a three-year ultimatum to close all churches in the state,” he said.
“The police in the state have directed Christians to intensify security in all places of worship, pastors’ houses, other Christian centers. CAN in Zamfara State has also directed all churches not to hold church activities beyond 5pm for the next three months.”
Please join us in prayer and our efforts to raise awareness on behalf of Nigeria’s suffering Church today.
This article originally appeared here.