Nigeria: U.S. Bishop and U.K. MP Narrowly Escape Being Killed by Islamic Extremists
- Updated Nov 17, 2016
A U.S. bishop and a U.K. MP narrowly escaped being killed by Islamic Fulani herdsmen while the two of them visited the country of Nigeria.
ChristianToday.com reports that Baroness Cox, a Christian peer in the U.K.’s House of Lords and Bishop Stewart Ruch III of the Upper Midwest Diocese, were visiting an area of Nigeria where Fulani herdsmen have recently wreaked havoc on Christian villages and their inhabitants.
Just 30 minutes after Cox and Ruch left the village they were visiting, Fulani herdsmen took over and began shooting. The attackers targeted a wedding party in the area, which some believe they may have mistaken for Cox and Ruch’s delegation.
Said evangelist Hassan John, West Africa editor of Global Christian News: “God protected our team and we had escaped the ambush set for us. No one was hurt. Just for those that came after us on the same village road. Am still in touch with the pastors in the village but so far there are no fatalities."
A few months ago, a traditional ruler of the same village visited by Cox and Ruch, as well as a Christian pastor in the village, were not so fortunate. Fulani herdsmen succeeded in murdering both men.
Baroness Cox expressed her gratitude to the Christians who remain committed to their faith in Nigeria, despite persecution.
"We count it a privilege to visit with Christians who are on the frontline facing all kinds of challenges everyday. Many in the West have no idea what kind of persecution many Christians go through. You are an example of living faith. We thank you for holding the frontline of faith and freedom for the rest of the world,” she said.
Publication date: November 17, 2016
