9th June 2026

Armed militia in north-west Nigeria invited dozens of villagers to a meeting about potential peace negotiations, however, instead of talks the villagers were abducted. Between 39-50 people were taken on Sunday during a meeting in the forest near Magamin Diddi village in the Maradun municipality of north-west Zamfara state. Nigeria's security forces have been deployed to locate the victims. Several individuals were reported by local people to have been released to convey the kidnappers’ ransom demands to the village. Zamfara is at the centre of a long and on-going security crisis in the region. Mass kidnappings, killings, village raids and violence has disrupted farming and displaced thousands. These abductions and associated violence made little impact upon the global media agenda.

Loving God, we cannot imagine the lives of our neighbours in Maradun and its surrounding areas as they fear each day may be one where they are taken from their families and communities. How frightening it must be for parents, and children, and carers of kidnapped victims. Touch the hearts of the abductors that they may be moved to release their victims alive and well. Grant courage and wisdom to the Nigerian government to provide prompt and effective security against these perpetrators.  We pray that the security forces will located and be able to safely rescue all the victims and return them to those who love and care for them. Forgive that people cause such harm and fear among their fellow human beings.  May the world's media highlight these atrocities that Nigeria will be supported, and villagers not feel alone and abandoned. In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

64 year old Angie Meadley walked more than 420 miles throughout May in support of charity Christian Aid. However, this effort is only her latest for the Christian Aid which fights global poverty and injustice. ANgie attends tends Sutton Methodist Church, in Hull, UK.  She has faced skin cancer in recent years but this didn't stop her completing at least two walks while undergoing treatment. Now, having originally pledged to walk five miles per day throughout May, she actually far exceeded that. In completing her challenge she used eight boxes of blister plasters, and she has so far raised more than £2,337 for Christian Aid Week.  She said: "I felt I wasn’t alone and that God was with me in spirit and the beauty of my surroundings, and the people I met and chatted with about Christian Aid and about faith and Christianity and what it means to them. "I have enjoyed every moment of this year’s journey, but especially meeting with the couple who asked me to pray for them, another gentleman I had a conversation with on the marina and a special moment on the Humber Bridge when I felt filled with God’s spirit.  

A prayer to God

based on Charles Wesley's famous hymn

O for a thousand tongues to sing

my great Redeemer's praise.

The glories of my God and King

the triumphs of your grace.

You break the power of cancelled sin

You set the prisoner free

Your blood has made the foulest clean

Your blood availed for me.

Amen.