Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

May 2021 – On March 3, Nigerian pastor Bulus Yikura, affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, was finally set free by the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. One of 990 Christians kidnapped in Nigeria in 2020, Yikura was abducted by Boko Haram from the predominantly Christian village of Pemi on December 24.

In three separate videos filmed at knifepoint, Yikura was forced to beg government officials to meet the demands for his ransom. Subsequently, his family and church negotiated for his release, which took place mere hours before his execution deadline.

“I thank God! I thank God!” exclaimed Pastor Yikura of his miraculous release. According to Open Doors USA, it truly was a miracle, considering that Nigeria ranks as the most violent country in the world for Christians. In fact, of the 4,000 Christians martyred around the world in 2020, a majority were Nigerian believers.

opendoorsusa.org, 3/3/21; onenewsnow.com, 3/9/21