Day 18 - Insecurity in the Nation

Nigeria is presently facing monumental security issues occasioned by terrorist activities of Boko Haram. From 2002 to date this group has killed no fewer than 12,000 people, majorly Christians and burning hundreds of Churches. Most of their Christian targets that refuse to renounce their faith are hacked to death.

In February 2014, 59 students (all boys) of Federal Government College, Bunu Yadi, Yobe State, were shot to death in their hostels while asleep. In April, 2014, 276 girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State were kidnapped from their hostels. Of this number, 219 are still in captivity while some escaped from their captors. On June 15, 2014, Improvised Explosive Devices were found in Winners Chapel, Owerri. A day after, 486 persons travelling in 35 buses were arrested in Abia State with 87 identified as Boko Haram members and a wanted Boko Haram kingpin in their midst.

There are also reports of high ranking military officers selling arms and classified military intelligence to this terrorist group. This has compromised military efforts leading to high deaths amongst soldiers and other untold hardships. Nigeria is today number 1 on the global Christian persecution list with Boko Haram standing as the world number 2 terrorist group next to the Talibans.

• Cry unto the LORD to arise over Nigeria. That for the sake of His name and glory, He should not allow His Church to suffer reproach.

• Ask God to confound Boko Haram, their sponsors and sympathizers.

• Ask God to unmask all persons behind Boko Haram.

• Pray that all persons sabotaging military efforts should be exposed and judged.

• Pray for the immediate release of the remaining 219 girls still in captivity. Ask God to give them the courage and will to withstand all difficulties. Pray that their faith in Jesus should not fail.

• Ask God to console and strengthen families still awaiting the release of their daughters. Pray that they find confidence and hope in God.

• Ask God to comfort and strengthen northern Christians facing persecution. Ask God to provide, protect and preserve His children. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them for a continued fellowship with God.

• Pray God to enable northern Christians to have access to the Bible in the midst of persecutions.

• Ask God to give our government the courage to face Boko Haram head on. Also ask God to help our armed forces overcome Boko Haram.

• Ask God for a genuine fight against this group by neighbouring countries and the western forces deployed to Nigeria.

• Ask God to cause peace, unity and love to manifest amongst all people of various religious backgrounds, tribes and ethnic groups, (Psa.72:6-7).

• Ask God to send the angel He sent to destroy 185, 000 troops of Sennacherib to destroy the enemies of the nation of Nigeria, (Isaiah37:36). Pray that they be looked for and not be found anymore and that their wickedness come to an end, (Psa.7:10; 35:4-6).

• Ask the Lord to give wisdom to our President, Ministers, Lawmakers and Judicial officers to establish policies to improve our economy, create jobs, etc. Pray that the government puts proper infrastructures in place and that they lead the nation in righteousness to reduce crime rate in our society. Pray for a bridging of the gap between the rich and the poor to eliminate the vices.

• Pray for better funding of our security agencies for improved security of life and properties of citizens. Pray God to protect His children in the midst of all the lapses in our security network. (Psalm 91; 79:11; 102:20; 23:4; 121; Jer. 50:33, 34).

• The threat by certain persons from the north that blood will flow if power does not return to the north by 2015 is most likely to cause religious and political crisis. Pray the Lord to give the president wisdom to manage such threats and people as this. Pray that where arrests, prosecution and imprisonment needed to be made it should be made.