This week I read a disturbing story reported by Compass Direct News, of Muslims in Nigeria who are kidnapping Christian teenagers and converting them to Islam. The news article chronicled the details of Victor Udo Usen, a 13-year-old and member of the Christ Apostolic Church , who was kidnapped in November 2006 in Sokoto, Nigeria. Even though I have heard of similar incidents in other places around the world, Victor’s story moved me with compassion. As a parent myself, I cannot imagine going through what his family has endured.
On February 20, 2007, Victor’s family heard he had been spotted in a Muslim neighbor’s house. His mother told Compass, “I quickly held his hands and dragged him along with me towards our house. But, within a twinkle of an eye, I heard shouts of ‘Allahu Akabar! Allahu Akbar! [God is great]!’ I was shocked as I saw a large number of Muslims rushing toward us. How can someone force my son into his religion?” The mob surrounded them and snatched Victor away.
Christian leaders in Nigeria are concerned the abduction of boys and girls for conversion to Islam has become common in Sokoto, which has a Muslim majority. It is unimaginable how the children are treated because they are often moved from place to place to escape their families finding them. I believe I came across Victor’s story not by accident, but because God wants me to pray for Christians in these situations. I urge you to uplift this urgent need in prayer as you intercede for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Ask God to protect and comfort them in the midst of their great challenges.