Boko Haram’s Allegiance to ISIS Resulting in Increased Persecution
In early March 2015, the radical Islamist group Boko Haram pledged their allegiance to ISIS. Although there were few initial differences in the months immediately following the pledge, the recent spree of increased attacks against Christians and moderate Muslims seems to be a manifestation of their pledge of loyalty. Since claiming affiliation with ISIS, Boko Haram has begun to refer to themselves as the Islamic State’s “West Africa Province.”
During the Muslim holiday month of Ramadan, Boko Haram followed the calls of ISIS for increased violence among “non-believers.” The past few months have been characterized by suicide bombings targeting both Christian and Muslim worship services alike. In addition to the violent nature of their assaults, Boko Haram has recently been attacking groups in Nigeria’s Plateau state, which lies on the border between the mostly Christian south and the mostly Muslim north.
Please keep our brothers and sisters in this region in prayer.