A 17-year-old girl named Nogosa fled her home in Benin on September 13, 2026, after being severely beaten by her family for converting to Christianity. Her relatives, who had intended for her to marry a voodoo priest, demanded she participate in initiation ceremonies that a front-line worker described as involving horrific abuse. Fearing for her life, Nogosa sought refuge at her pastor’s residence. The pastor and his family already face significant pressure from local voodoo practitioners. The group reports that they are currently seeking guidance on how to best support the teenager's safety and well-being in this hostile environment.
More than 2,000 people fled communities in a northern Nigerian state following armed clashes and mosque attacks near the border with Benin. The violence, centered around a lake basin, forced families into Benin and another Nigerian state. Security forces deployed tactical teams to specific villages, though the number of abducted worshippers remains unverified. Analysts describe the incident as a territorial contest between insurgent factions. The President ordered immediate rescue operations, while officials suspect involvement by Lakurawa and Boko Haram elements. The displacement highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s remote border regions.
A missionary team led by an IMB worker traveled to West Africa to train local Deaf leaders. These believers are now sharing the gospel, baptizing new converts, and establishing regular church groups. The team states that God has equipped these individuals to continue the ministry independently. They are now preparing to train additional leaders in East Africa to multiply their efforts and develop the next generation of Christian leaders in the region. The outlet encourages supporters to pray for the wisdom and courage of these emerging leaders as they expand their work across multiple countries.
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Anton Lukin on UnsplashGood news
Father Cosme Bethieu, a priest in Benin, told ACN that many local Christians attend Mass without shoes due to extreme poverty. Although Benin is majority Christian, the young Church faces challenges including religious syncretism and potential spillover persecution from neighboring Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The foundation Ayuda a la Iglesia Necesitada supports the local community. Father Cosme established a parish group to assist the needy, noting that while political reforms offer hope, material lack remains severe. He urges the wealthy to support the poor to maintain peace and fulfill their spiritual mission.
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
