Ranwianku is a small community of the Irigwe (Miango) people approximately 30km west of Jos City Center. It is a few kilometers off Jebu Miango – Miango road, 3km from the Rukkuba Army Barrack; close to the Army shooting range. With this proximity to the military barracks, no one would expect that this village could be visited with this kind of barbaric incident; it goes to show how the desperate perpetrators of Plateau carnages are and how vulnerable the Nigerian security have become in this situation.
According to Baba Toma (one of the eye witnesses) to this incident, the first gun shot was heard at around 2.00pm. This was reported to the soldier men who were at the road block in Miango town but nothing happened then until night time. Toma said at around 11.00pm his community was suddenly woken to sounds from gun shots within the village.
The villagers were terrified, wailing and rushing out of their houses. Mr. Toma said, looking through his window (which was still open at that time) he was terrified, seeing his neighbor’s house on fire but when he saw many people standing by the entrances of their homes; that gave him confidence to come out.
Most witnesses, who spoke to Stefanos Foundation, testified that the attackers were speaking Fulani language. When asked if any fulani lived in the village, Mr. Toma said they use to have Fulani neighbors but since the 2001 Jos crisis, they all left the village. Although he said they do come to graze their cattle around the village from time to time but he noticed that the Fulani headsmen did not come around much the week before the attack.
Losses
Stefanos Foundation recorded the following losses from the village. Mr. Umaru Hole lost his wife and 3 of his children; One Bitrus Peide lost his mother; an older woman who couldn’t escape the attackers. He also lost 9 rooms of his home to the fires; Monday Gazah’s house was also burnt, his little daughter was shot on the leg and his son was lucky that one of the bullets only brushed his leg; One young boy brutally macheted ; Sunday Audu and Sunday Rogo both lost one cow each, as the attackers also targeted and killed the animals; 21 houses burnt. In all, this community has lost 6 people; an old woman, a younger woman, a young boy and 3 other children. They were all buried in one grave in the morning of 26th October 2010.
Many sympathizers turned up for the funeral and gave words of encouragement. Many Clergy spoke to console the people. One who read from 2Cor. 4: 7r. 4: 7 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
WP-Bible plugin – 11, encouraged the villagers to eschew violence and leave vengeance to God. He said. “We are not abandoned. Although struck down, but not destroyed and that though we are always given to death for Jesus’ sake, His life is being revealed in our mortal bodies.
The State Governor also sent his condolences through the Permanent Secretary on security. The Commander of the Military was also present and spoke to assure the people of their commitment to bringing lasting peace in the state. The village head who spoke through a representative, pleaded with the villagers not to think of revenge and appealed to the government to help the victims of this incident and consider fixing the dilapidated road to the village. The Youth leaders and other top people in the Local Government Area also spoke to calm the villagers.
Stefanos Foundation is presently seeking for support to help provide emergency relief to the victims and to also organize some trauma counseling workshops for them. We urge supporters to stand with us as we seek to visit these victims in their afflictions.
Mark reports from Jos. Please contact Mark of Stefanos Foundation directly at mail address below.
Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye shares his thoughts at the Covenant House Parish RCCG on Christian Persecution and goes on to describe these days as the best hour of the Church. Also reflect on the embedded video on persecution in India …
WP-Bible plugin Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
New Testament Christians embraced persecutions. Persecution was the expected thing. You cannot see in the New Testament where they hated being persecuted. In fact they rejoiced that they were worthy to be persecuted for the Lord Jesus. Indeed, the Lord told them they would be persecuted for His sake. Something has gone terribly wrong with our pleasure-loving, crowd-loving, fun-chasing, persecution-hating, modern day Christianity.
We have become spineless and thus ineffective. The gospel is meant to be confrontational. They confronted people with their sins and with standards of God. Matthew 5:10Matthew 5:10 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
WP-Bible plugin. Most of us abhor being persecuted. Those who are persecuted for righteousness sake are blessed. In these days, when sermons must not be hard but alluring, when salvation is offered to all by just repeating a prayer, sermons on repentance, hell, day of judgement must be seen as out-of-date or old fashioned.
Today, sermons are cunningly crafted not to offend anybody. We do not want to offend our clients and customers. Instead, we want to retain them. The Church has been so subtly led astray that we hardly notice that Jesus said we are blessed when persecuted for righteousness sake. This blessing-crazy will not go near this brand of blessing. Why were we to see persecution for righteousness sake as a blessing? Because great is our reward in heaven. The result of such persecution is the accumulation of credit for us in heaven. God cannot leave Himself without a witness. God is calling for men and women who will contest for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. God is looking for men and women who will refuse to compromise, men and women who will not dialogue or hold peace conferences with the enemy.
Our minds should be made up to stand with Jesus Christ in this critical hour. We will not vacillate. It is too late. We are hooked into Christ for all eternity. We are neither in a popularity contest nor to be caught by the materialism flu. We want to so stand with Christ that we will make the devil mad. O God, take us to the place where our brand of Christianity, our loyalty to Christ enrages the devil.
Jesus preached and the people picked stones to stone Him. Stephen preached and they donated a hail of stones that sent him to heaven immediately…King Jesus stood up to receive him. Brethren, eternity is so long. Our 70 years on earth is so short – not up to one-billionth of eternity. But how we spend the 70 years will determine what we get in eternity. How foolish of us to think that the earthly things we acquire here: houses, cars, companies, titles, money, influence are the real thing. We must be mad to measure success in such mundane, ephemeral, temporary accumulations and pursuits. Would it not be wise to spend the 70 years with eternity in view in the company of the persecuted but blessed? 2 Corinthians 6:4-102 Corinthians 6:4-10 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, approving: Gr. commending
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; in tumults: or, in tossings to and fro
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
WP-Bible plugin; Hebrews 5:5-9Hebrews 5:5-9 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; in that...: or, for his piety
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
WP-Bible plugin; 1 Peter 2:7-91 Peter 2:7-9 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, precious: or, an honour
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: peculiar: or, purchased praises: or, virtues
WP-Bible plugin, 1 Peter 4:12-161 Peter 4:12-16 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
The Gospel is not about me. It is about God. The work I am doing for God is not about me, it is about God. The challenges I am facing are not about me, they are about God. The things heaven wants to accomplish are not about me they are about God. The opposition rising up against me is not about me, they are about God. The hosts of hell and their human agents rising in fury are not about me, they are about God. God has chosen His style and God is always right. He may wait until I am pressed to the wall or squeezed like a tube of paste, but God will always come through. God waited until Moses was faced with a dilemma. The Red Sea was in front, mountains on the side and Pharaoh’s army at the back. There was nowhere to run. I say it is not about me, it is about God. Joseph was squeezed and re-squeezed. From being a pet son, he was sold into slavery to prison. It was a double squeeze lasting 13 years still he came through. God will always come through.
Imagine the Lord Jesus telling the disciples to give the multitude food. Where will they get the food to buy to feed such a multitude? The Lord knew what He would do. He came through for them. He will come through for me and for you. It is not about you or me, it is about God.
Enlarge your tent
Enlarge your vision. Enlarge the area you want to cover for God. Enlarge your influence for God. It is too small if it is for God. It is not about you, it is about God. You see so many opportunities pass you by. You see so many things you could do for Him but you seem hindered, you seem incapable. Remember it is not about you, it is about God. Why should I enlarge my tent when I have not even filled the tent? It is too big for you; it is too small for God. It is not about you, it is about God.
Enlarge your prayer. Ask for greater things from God. Ephesians 3:19-20Ephesians 3:19-20 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
WP-Bible plugin. Ask for greater things …if He intends that you should be filled with all the fullness of God, you should come to the fullness of the stature of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:13Ephesians 4:13 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: in: or, into stature: or, age
WP-Bible plugin). Why should you squeeze God into your tent? It is too small for God. Throw yourself into the box of God where you can have space to swim. You are in God’s team where you can do impossibilities. Do not squeeze God into a box. It is not about you, it is about God.
Enlarge your vision. Enlarge your confession. Enlarge your expectation of God. Enlarge the result you are expecting to get of converts, of miracles, of answered prayer. It is not about you, it is about God. There are so many prophecies, things that have to be fulfilled before the rapture. The whole creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
It is not my fault that I am alive at a time like this. It is a privilege for me and too bad for the devil. The word of God must come to pass. Satan and his forces must be defeated. That is the word of the Lord. It is not about me, it is about God. God must win and win gloriously. I am in God’s team. I can boast. I can be jubilant, we shall win.
All the dust that Satan is raising will not scare me. I can see beyond his threatening. He is born to lose. I am in the best hour of the Church age. The end of all things has come. I am on the right side. It is not about me. It is about God.
Rise and shine for God when darkness has covered the earth and gross darkness the people. Isaiah 60:1-2Isaiah 60:1-2 English: King James Version (1611) - KJV 60
1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. shine...: or, be enlightened; for thy light cometh
2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
God bless you…for more on Persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria.
Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye preached this message at RCCG Covenant House April11, 2010.
Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye, Chairman – Northern States (of Nigeria) Christian Elders Forum – NOSCEF, oversees the Food for the Total Man Ministry – The Jesus Embassy : 3, Broadcasting Road, P.O.Box 5127, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Nigeria should be divided into two nations to avoid further bloodshed between Muslims and Christians, said Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, according to a BBC report. He made this call in a speech to students, where he praised the example of India and Pakistan in 1947 saying the “partition saved the lives of millions of Hindus and Muslims.” According to the Libyan leader, splitting Nigeria “would stop the bloodshed and burning of places of worship,” Jana, the Libyan news agency quoted him as saying.
I Kings 3 [25] And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. [26] Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it.
The harlot woke up one day after a long night of adventures we do not want to hear about to discover something unusual. The baby in her arms did not look so healthy…the skin was pale and there was no reaction to any cuddling or pinching … only the infant just staring at the ceiling. She had not fed her baby with milk for over a day and had overslept in the usual drunken stupor – this time she was not awakened by the normal cries for deserved attention from a mother. And then suddenly this woman screamed seeing the baby was too still … dead.
This was not the promise that was made to her. Her baby was to grow to become great, a source of joy and inspiration. Indeed she knew and always believed strongly she held a star in her arms and would one day repent her wicked ways. Then as she cleaned the tears from her face she looked again to observe the tiny stiff open hands. The birth mark of greatness was no more on the tiny finger. She called to her silent friend, busy nursing her own baby, who shared the room and her eyes immediately caught the mark she had told no one about. In the arms of another she saw her star alive looking somewhat puzzled as though uncertain of the future.
Her trusted neighbour and friend had, in her drunken and careless moments, seized her baby and replaced her dream with a corpse. Now her trusted friend held firmly to her child…her dream…her star…stolen from her.
The case was taken to the Palace of the Judge. As the different perspectives were presented a voice came saying “Divide the child…and give half to each…” But the true mother could only see the bloodshed, the continued defenceless struggles, the endless battles and the final whimper as her star was eventually silenced by the axe. Then she screamed as one waking from a nightmare “O my Lord. Give her the living child.” She would rather volunteer a poverty of spirit and pleasure than consider the snuffing out of her dreams. Without her dream alive she would lose all peace and would have elected for herself a greater sorrow and perpetual anguish. Perhaps someday she would have the opportunity to bring her case forward again before the Lord who surely lives. She accepts to be today’s loser and shuddered as she imagined her future star …nurtured in the cold arms of a thief…but then who can pull down a true star? Who can stop the ordained will of the King of kings who reigns for ever.
Then she hears the voice again as her Redeemer looked at her..I Kings 3[27] Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
Today, her star is now back safe and protected by the justice of God … and growing to be what God has promised. Meanwhile she has stopped her harlotry and drunkenness … her Redeemer will truly henceforth be her first husband. Her joy is now full. The story has a blissful ending … finally her dreams come true even as “ … kings, princes and princesses come out of her loins.”
Her baby is her nation. Do not be quick to judge her and disdain her experience …
Matthew 2[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
The video below is quite graphic and captures acts of Genocide in Jos, Nigeria.
Please also find below pictures of the 2am attack of 7th March 2010 over Zot and Dogo-Nahawa villages of Jos south Local Government areas.
Ranwianku is a small community of the Irigwe (Miango) people approximately 30km west of Jos City Center. It is a few kilometers off Jebu Miango – Miango road, 3km from the Rukkuba Army Barrack; close to the Army shooting range. With this proximity to the military barracks, no one would expect that this village could be visited with this kind of barbaric incident; it goes to show how the desperate perpetrators of Plateau carnages are and how vulnerable the Nigerian security have become in this situation.
I Kings 3 [25] And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. [26] Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it.
Then she hears the voice again as her Redeemer looked at her..I Kings 3[27] Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
