The World Council of Churches has condemned the murder of Nigerian Brethren leader Lawan Andimi, executed by Islamist terror group Boko Haram earlier this week.
Rev Andimi, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) and chair of Christian Association of Nigeria for the Michika district in the nation’s north-east Adamawa state, had been reported missing on 3rd January following an attack in the area. On 5th January, his captors released a video in which he professed his Christian faith and expressed his hope he would be released.
News he had been executed by Boko Haram on Monday afternoon was confirmed this week.
Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, denounced the violence “as an act of hate toward someone who dedicated his life to God and to the service of others”.
“We pray for justice and comfort for his family and loved ones. And I appeal urgently to the Nigerian government and authorities to ensure the protection of people targeted by violent extremists because of their religious or other identity.”
