Here is why al-Shabaab sucks

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on Monday, February 23, al-Shabaab released an audio clip online, ordering all non-local Christians to leave three counties in northeastern Kenya. In the 20-minute clip, al-Shabaab’s spokesman, Sheikh Ali Dhere, urged Somali-Kenyans to evict all non-Muslims living and working in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera if they do not leave of their own free will. He said, "Muslim teachers, doctors, engineers, and young graduates from the northeastern province are unemployed. Isn’t it better to give them a chance? There is no need for the presence of disbelievers."

The three counties that border Somalia in the northeast are dominated by Somalis who migrated to Kenya because of the war and violence in Somalia. Reacting to news of the warning, Reverend Cosmas Mwinzi of the Assemblies of God in Garissa said, “This is not news at all because the conduct of the local people here has always suggested that they want us to leave. This region has been unstable for years due to war in Somalia and hatred against non-locals who are mostly Christians. The levels of education and infrastructure in the three counties are low and it is only through the expertise and hard work of the non-locals that the living standard of the Somali people in Kenya can improve. We have non-locals in all sectors, from health to education.”

The announcement by al-Shabaab comes as many non-local teachers are being transferred to other schools outside northeastern Kenya because three Christian teachers were killed in Garissa last month. Most of the teachers who were not transferred have now requested transfers due to the February 19 bus attack in Mandera that led to the murder of two non-local Christian workers.

ICC spoke to one Christian teacher, Mr. Fredrick Kitonyo, who has yet to be transferred. He said, “I left my work station in January and I was among the first bunch of teachers to present themselves to the Teachers Service Commission requesting for transfers. I have not been given a new posting letter yet and if I do not get it, I will not return to Garissa. I am ready for interdiction.”

Yesterday, during a crisis meeting to unravel the stalemate of security for non-local teachers in northeastern Kenya, the Inspector-General of Police expressed his concerns about the Somalis in Kenya who sit on important information about planned al-Shabaab attacks. He noted, “Security alone cannot provide a solution in this region. It is only the non-local teachers at Kamuthe Primary School who were not aware of that attack. The students knew there was going to be an attack. Local teachers during the material day of the attack were absent. We have argued that the local component is very important to complement the security operation.”

The Kenyan government has not yet responded to the threatening audio clip. However, the US Embassy in Kenya has issued a security alert regarding a suspected hotel attack targeting tourists, locals, and business travelers.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “This release is terrible news for Christians living and working in eastern Kenya. They already live with increased fear and anxiety, as many have had to travel to find work. Now with this threat, it is clear that al-Shabaab will be increasing attacks on Christians who are simply trying to provide for their families.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Teen killed during Iraq protests

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a 15-year-old Assyrian Christian named Rimon was killed by Iraqi security forces while protesting in Tahrir Square on Tuesday, February 25. Rimon was targeted and killed with a hunting rifle. Twenty-four other protesters were also wounded during the violence from gunshots and teargas.

Following this incident, the Iraqi Christian community is mourning the loss of one of its members. “Protesting in Baghdad took a lot of souls. Rimon was among them, and he was only 15 years old,” a local Christian woman told ICC. “I cannot imagine how sad Rimon’s parents are. Every day we are losing lots of souls; someone needs to do something to stop this massacre,” another Christian protester added.

A local shop owner near the protests said, “Targeting protesters by hunting guns is a crime. No one helps Iraqi citizens.”

Rimon’s mentor at his church commented, “All he did was seeking a better future.” A fellow church member echoed, “I am so sad for Rimon and his parents. He was there to ask for a better life. It could have been me instead of him. Actually, it could have been any of us there.”

Tuesday’s violence comes nearly 150 days after the protests first began. Reports indicate that over 600 Iraqis have been killed since October 1, protesting government corruption, high unemployment, insufficient public services, and foreign interference. The protests were originally ignited over the removal of Lt. Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi as commander of counterterrorism forces. His widespread popularity after his leadership in defeating ISIS sparked demonstrations that have grown in both size and intensity.

ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, Claire Evans, commented, “We pray for the family of Rimon and for peace to come to a region that has seen increased violence toward Christians. We praise God as the refuge and strong tower that He is for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to endure so much.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Bang attacks from the Fulani

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on Wednesday, February 19, Fulani militants attacked Bang village, a border community between Taraba and Adamawa states in northeastern Nigeria. Fulani militants previously attacked Bang village approximately two years ago, causing the residents to flee. These residents lived as internally displaced persons until January 2020 when they started returning to the village and rebuilding their destroyed homes.

“We were in exile for about two years. We thought peace had returned, and people had devoted time to weaving straw fences and rebuilding their houses to settle back in the village; then they descended on us!” a local named Lazarus William narrated. “The village head was killed, and my elder brother who was with him was brutally injured.”

The village head, Alfa Yayu, who was 73 years old, was fatally shot. His close friend, Gayus Abari, 72 years old, suffered severe machete cuts to his head, shoulder, back, and legs. Fortunately, Gayus survived and is currently receiving medical care in Numan General Hospital. Still confined to his hospital bed, Gayus tried to recall the attack for ICC: “It was the Fulani herdsmen that attacked us. That day, we were in the house together with my friend who is now dead; then we heard gunshots. Though we were aged, we tried to run, but not as fast as others who were stronger. Unfortunately, my friend was shot dead. Then they caught me and inflicted several machete cuts on me. That’s all I can remember, and now I find myself in this hospital.”

The militants arrived at Bang village at about 4:00 p.m. that day and began to fire sporadic gunshots. Fortunately, most of the villagers were able to flee, but the militants burnt down approximately 10 homes and set fire to several bundles of woven straw fences. They also stole two motorbikes belonging to local villagers.

Lamenting the spate of attacks and the lack of security, the bishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria Numan, Bishop Japheth, said Bang village was left to defend itself. He stated, “Several people had returned to the village and made efforts to rebuild their homes. Between the border of Taraba and Adamawa, there are Fulani living there. Though there are some security personnel at villages on [the] Taraba side, there’s none on the Adamawa side, so the militants took advantage to strike Bang.” 

With the continued Fulani militant attacks on one hand and the Boko Haram insurgents on the other, Bishop Japheth wonders what the fate of Christianity will be in northern Nigeria. He believes that many of the attackers are mercenaries brought from other countries who act in connection with local Fulani to unleash havoc on the natives, but the government doesn’t seem to rise up to confront this issue as it should. Amazingly, just hours after the attack, villagers began to return to the same village. According to Bishop Japheth who also comes from Bang, “Our people said they will not abandon their ancestral land. We will stand our ground by the grace of God!” 

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “Adamawa is unique in Nigeria. It suffers from both the Boko Haram insurgency in the North, and the Middle Belt crisis involving Fulani militants. These types of attacks have caused widespread devastation and forced many people into displacement. This is unacceptable. After a village has been attacked, the Nigerian government must help them rebuild and ensure their safety. The fact that this attack took place just weeks after members started to return to this community shows that there is no security for the Nigerian people.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Al-Shaabab ambushes bus in Kenya

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that three people were killed yesterday and two others were injured when suspected al-Shabaab militants laid siege to a passenger bus traveling from Mandera to Nairobi, Kenya. During the attack, two Christians, Peter Kilonzo Musili and Kevin Onyango, were executed when they could not say the Shahada, the Islamic statement of faith. A Muslim man, Abdi Abinoor, was also killed while trying to protect the Christians from the attackers who were separating out non-Muslim passengers.

Confirming the incident, a security officer based in northeastern Kenya told ICC, “The incident happened on the morning of February 19 at Banisa, Mandera County, where a group of armed al-Shabaab members ambushed a bus ferrying 47 passengers to Nairobi. They sprayed it with bullets and deflated the tires in order to halt it and pick Christians from the bus. The efforts of the driver to escape from their trap did not bear fruit. He was also injured during the attack. Three people were killed and two others injured.”

This attack comes two months after 11 Christians were killed on December 6, 2019, when their bus was flagged down by Islamic militants at Kotulo in Wajir.

An evangelist based in Mandera said that the recent attack is a continuation of what has become normal in Mandera. “We are seeing a return of planned violent attacks against Christians in northeastern Kenya and the coastal region. Hostility against Christians has been escalating in Mandera at an alarming rate and is being carried out by al-Shabaab members. They target public service vehicles, where they separate Christians from Muslims and execute them. If not vehicles, they attack residential places and kill non-local Christian people,” he explained. “We are, however, proud of the few courageous Muslims who stand up and defend Christians. In this bus attack, one of them was killed for trying to stop the gunmen from shooting the Christians who were not able to say the Islamic prayer.”

Many of the Christians who have been killed in the predominantly Muslim northeastern region of Kenya are bus passengers, teachers, and construction workers. Last month, three teachers were killed at Kamuthe Primary School in Garissa while asleep within the school's residential area. Following the spree of attacks on teachers, the Teachers' Service Commission (TSC) has transferred all non-local teachers posted in the counties of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera to safer areas. Now, it is time to ensure the safety of passenger buses throughout Kenya.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “Buses in Kenya have become one of the main targets for al-Shabaab. There have already been at least four similar attacks this year alone. In each one, Christian passengers are separated from those who are Muslim. They are then slaughtered like animals. What is encouraging to see is that there have also been a number of brave Muslims who have continued to try and protect the Christians. Those who do this must be lifted up as heroes. I am sad that Mr. Abinoor was killed, but he is a hero for trying to save others’ lives, and he needs to be applauded as such.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Fulani attacks continue in Nigeria

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Fulani militants attacked three Christian villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria on January 26 and 27. During this attack, at least 32 people were killed in the villages of Kwatas, Rubio, and Marish. In addition to the 32 Christians who were killed, four churches in these communities were also burned down.

These churches include the Kauna Baptist Church and Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Rubio village, and the COCIN Church and Anglican Church in Marish. Although other structures were also destroyed, the destruction of these churches demonstrates a particular hatred toward Christianity. Despite this, the Nigerian government insists that there is no religious motivation in Fulani militant attacks throughout Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

Aside from the churches, at least 65 compounds were burnt or razed in Rubio and another 45 compounds in Marish. This has left 7,500 people without homes, churches, or access to food and work.

Following the attacks, 20 of those who were killed were given a mass burial on January 30. This was attended by hundreds of those who knew and loved them. Dressed in black, mourners made up of primarily women, children, and the elderly, gathered at Luna Mortuary in Bokkos town to bid farewell to their loved ones. This attack has left many children without parents and has put a heavy strain on the communities to provide for those with nothing.

A community youth leader, John Akans, said, “The mass burial has been conducted and 20 bodies were buried; women and children who put on black clothes all gathered. Bokkos community was in a mourning mood.”

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “These kinds of attacks on Christians in Nigeria are so commonplace that the world finds it easy to turn a blind eye. Few care that there are people killed daily. International media and organizations want to pass these kinds of tragedies off as normal or historical. They want to say that there could not be a religious motivation for them. That would make it too difficult to deal with. For the people involved daily, however, this is life and death. The world can no longer turn a blind eye. We have to be willing to call this what it is: murder. The Nigerian government must be held accountable for not protecting its citizens, and the perpetrators must be punished. The Nigerian government must also show its commitment to the nation’s Christian citizens by helping to rebuild their places of worship which are daily burned down or destroyed.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:25

And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth:  For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.

- Gen. 4:25 (KJV)

This verse states that Adam and Eve had another son named Seth.  The reason listed is that Seth was appointed by God to carry on the lineage of mankind.  Cain disqualified himself from carrying on the lineage due to disrespecting God's covenant by not giving the tithe correctly and by murdering Abel.  Abel could not carry on the lineage because he was killed by Cain. 

Despite of all of the trauma that Adam and Eve experienced by being kicked out of the Garden of Eden and losing a son, they decided not to give up on their relationship with God and decided not to give up on their relationship with each other.  When times are tough, hold on to your relationship with God and with those who you are really close to in life.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To stay in God's Word, continue to work on your relationships with others.  (7) Be perfected by God in order to produced.  (2) Walk in God's kingdom in order to be called.  (5) To stay in God's presence, choose to stay on His side.