Release partner Stefanos Foundation says that Rev Jacob Kwizer, a retired minister in the Church of Christ in Nigeria, died on Monday when extremists raided several villages in the local government area of Gwoza. Churches were attacked in Gharaza, Tatsa, Kunde, Arboko, Chinene and other villages during the two days.Further violence yesterday claimed the life of a Muslim named Ajiya Yyay, a cousin of the Emir of Gwoza, in Tokombare district. Stefanos says that Muslims and Christians alike have fled the area.
Stefanos also reports that there has been renewed criticism of the military for failing to respond to local villagers’ appeals for protection. The attacks come amid an intensification of government efforts to counter the insurgency in the north-east of the country: a state of emergency was declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in May.
(Sources: BBC, Stefanos Foundation)
