The four Nigerian men executed by jihadists "held on to their faith".,,,
A video showing the execution of 20 Christians intended to terrify believers around the world instead shows the incredible, inspiring faith of the slaughtered men, says a charity.
Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) jihadists filmed the killing of the believers in north-east Nigeria and posted the footage online as a warning to “Christians around the world”.
But Open Doors, which works for persecuted Christians across the globe, said the video demonstrated the strength of the men’s belief.
Jo Newhouse, spokesperson for the charity in Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “While ISWAP intends to sow fear with these videos, Christians around the world should be in awe of the testimony of these men who held on to their faith even in the face of execution.”
She added: “There are no words to describe the horror and heartbreak the families of these men must be going through.”
According to the BBC Monitoring service, the executions by four masked militants were in revenge for the killing of a former Islamic State leader and a spokesman.
Jo Newhouse added: “The spreading influence of violent jihadist groups in Nigeria is a grave concern. Entire communities have been traumatised and uprooted and this video is a call for decisive action by the regional governments and the international community to address the multiple factors that create fertile ground for further radicalisation.”
At least 20 people were killed or injured in an ISWAP attack on a market in Iware, in Nigeria’s eastern Taraba state.
Three people were also killed by ISWAP jihadists in Borno, north-east Nigeria, as the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, was visiting the state’s governor.
The group also continues to hold Nigerian teenager Leah Sharibu after kidnapping her from her school in Dapchi, Yobe state, five years ago. While her fellow students were released, the abductors were unwilling to let Leah go because she reportedly refused to convert to Islam.
In a further sign of growing radicalisation in the region, student Deborah Samuel was stoned to death and burnt for alleged blasphemy in Sokoto, north-west Nigeria, after giving thanks to Jesus for passing her exams. After police moved in to arrest suspects, a mob called for their release and attacked churches, setting some alight.
The Sultan of Sokoto, the leader of Nigeria’s Muslims, condemned the killing, sparking protests outside his palace which had to be dispersed with the use of teargas.
The CEO of anti-persecution charity Release International, Paul Robinson, said: “The murder and rioting reflect the growing climate of violence toward Christians, especially in the north, where Nigeria has become a killing zone.”
Despite having religious freedom enshrined in its constitution, Nigeria’s 12 northern states have Islamic ‘Sharia’ law in place.
The country is now seventh in Open Doors’ World Watch List of countries where it is most difficult to live as a Christian.
