Nigerian partner school student killed in Jos violence

Religious riots between Christians and Muslims have broken out again in Jos, Nigeria. According to reports, the latest violence has claimed the lives of 200 to 300, including Shem Daniel, an OC partner school student from Jos ECWA Theological Seminary (JETSN). Shem was one of three students who were ministering in the section of town where the crisis originated. He died at the hospital from gunshot wounds. He was a third year student, majoring in missions and evangelism, and “left a good Christian witness in the community,” says JETSN Provost Dr. Bulus Galadima.

JETSN planned to start classes this past Monday, but the school was closed due to the violence. “The campus buzz of classes and huddles of joyful students should have commenced yesterday,” said Dwight Singer, JETSN Deputy Provost. “Instead, we mourn the loss of one of our students to the violence on Sunday. Last Thursday, I had approved of his registration for classes this semester, though he lacked full payment. During December exam week after fellowship and prayer in my office, I had provided means for his holiday travel. In November, he ate happily with us and my faculty group of 14 students in our home. Now this faithful servant is with the LORD; his active ministry with youth complete.”

Jos, the capital of Plateau State, has a history of violence and riots as it is located between the Muslim north of Nigeria and the Christian south. Rioting in September 2001 killed more than 1,000 people and several hundred more in 2004 and 2008. This latest casualty is the third student that JETSN has lost in Nigeria’s religious crisis: one student in November 2008 and another in the July 2009 crisis in Maiduguri. Reports conflict about what started the violence. Some say Muslim youth set a Christian church on fire, while others say it began with an argument over the rebuilding of a Muslim home in a predominantly Christian neighborhood that had been destroyed in November 2008. A 24 hour curfew was in place but has since been relaxed.

Dr. Galadima says, “It is hard, but we trust in our great God and continue to serve Him and minister to our community.”

Please join OC in praying for JETSN and the protection of their faculty, staff and students, and for the family of Shem Daniel. Please pray for the community, for wisdom for all decision makers in this situation and the military, and for peace in Jos.