The Abubakar Shekau faction of the terrorist group Boko Haram executed the chair of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa state, Reverend Lawan Andimi, on 20 January. Rev Andimi was abducted on 2 January 2020, when terrorists wearing military fatigues ransacked Michika town and forced him into a vehicle. News of Rev Andimi’s death was broken in a tweet posted on 21 January by Nigerian investigative journalist and Boko Haram expert Ahmed Salkida, who received a video of the beheadings of Rev Andimi and an unnamed soldier at 2.42 pm. Mr Salkida wrote: “To break some news items can traumatize. I’m battling with one of such. Reverend Andimi, abducted by #BokoHaram was executed yesterday. Rev. Andimi was a church leader, a father to his children and the community he served. My condolences go to his family.” In a proof of life video sent to Mr Salkida earlier, Rev Andimi had asked his colleagues and particularly the president of his own denomination, the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), to speak with the Adamawa state governor and other relevant officials to secure his release. While expressing confidence that he might return to family and colleagues “by the grace of God”, he added: “If the opportunity has not been granted, maybe it is the will of God.” Rev Andimi concluded his statement with the following words: “Don’t cry, don’t worry, but thank God for everything.”
The Persecution of Christians Part 21
