The Army Of Christ Who Has Risen

World Christians to pray for religious freedom in Nigeria
Posted: Wednesday, October 29, 2008,

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) will be holding its annual Day of Prayer for Nigeria on Saturday 1 November at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in London.

This year the event will highlight the brutal murder of a Christian school teacher last year by students and local people in Gombe State after being falsely accused of desecrating a copy of the Quran while invigilating an exam.

Christiana Oluwatoyin Oluwasesin was stoned, stripped, beaten and stabbed to death before her body was burnt by the angry mob on 21 March, 2007.

Her husband, Michael Oluwafemi Oluwasesin will be speaking about his experiences at CSW’s prayer event.

He said: “I am truly elated to be given the opportunity to tell the world my story, and pray that it will not only awaken people to the situation northern Nigeria continues to face, but also to take action to assist those whose lives are still in danger and who continue to undergo persecution and hardship.”

Michael will also take part in CSW’s Annual London Conference on 8 November.

The case of Mrs Oluwasesin is not an isolated one, but is unique in that three men are currently standing trial for her murder. At least 60,000 people, mostly non-Muslim, have died in religious violence in northern and central Nigeria since 1999. The violence is organised and perpetrators are rarely if ever brought to trial.

Tina Lambert, CSW’s Advocacy director said: “CSW seeks to be a voice for voiceless victims of repression in Nigeria, and we therefore particularly welcome Michael Oluwasesin’s visit.

"We hope that his harrowing testimony will help to highlight the plight of those in central and northern Nigeria who continue to suffer injustice on account of their faith and will assist the efforts for a positive transformation in these parts of the country.”