But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of.
Nigerian Christian mother Sabina David has shared the horrific ordeal she endured after being kidnapped by armed Fulani militants in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria, asking for prayers from the worldwide Church. According to Open Doors, Sabina and 11 members of her family were kidnapped from their home while they were sleeping in April.
Speaking with Open Doors’ local partners, Sabina described the horrific trek to the militants’ hideout. “We were walking in the bush when they started killing some of us before we got to their hideout,” she recalled. “When we arrived early morning, they started beating us.” She added, “God gave me the strength to tell my story today.”
The following day, the militants selected several women to beat Sabina’s husband, Bulus. When Sabina pleaded with them to stop, she was beaten so severely that she lost consciousness. When she awoke, she found her husband and the other captives in chains. After repeated beatings, Bulus died from his injuries, and the militants threw his body into a river. Sabina also lost two of her sons during the ordeal.
“They killed the boys at the same place they dumped my husband’s body,” she said. “I faced a lot of terrible things in the kidnappers’ den. They killed my husband in my presence; my children were also killed. I was chained like a slave, with no food to eat, no water to drink.” The militants also forced her to dance while she was grieving the loss of her husband.
By God’s grace, Sabina escaped captivity and returned to her four surviving children. However, she now lives as a widow and single parent in an area where insecurity and the threat of further attacks remain constant.
Open Doors reports that Christians in northwestern Nigeria continue to face targeted attacks. During the first half of 2026, 177 churchgoers were kidnapped in Kaduna State, while 13 Christians were killed and 28 abducted during a Christian wedding celebration in March. Local church leaders say the violence is driven by religious persecution rather than ordinary criminality.
Pastor Shuaibu Matthew, a church leader in Katsina State, said former captives reported being pressured to convert to Islam. Those who accepted Islam were treated better, while “those who reject Islam are beaten mercilessly and do not get food.” Open Doors also says its local partners have identified 5,400 displaced Christian families in urgent need of food, basic supplies, trauma care and long-term support.
Sabina asked believers around the world to stand with them in prayer.
“What I want our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world to know is that we don’t enjoy peace. We need them to help us through their prayers. Pray for us so that God Almighty will strengthen us to remain in our faith without a broken heart.” (Source: Open Doors, Edited version)
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it. (2 Timothy 3:12-14, NIV)
God, we lift up Nigeria to You as countless threats and persecution continues against Your people. Comfort Sabina as she grieves the loss of her husband and sons, and protect every believer facing violence and fear. Strengthen Your children to stand firm in the faith they have learned and believed. May they hold fast to Christ, refusing to fear those who seeks to silence the gospel, and remain faithful whatever the cost. Through the witness of Your Church, let the gospel continue to spread across Nigeria and bring many to Christ.
Prayer 24·365
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