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Destiny of kids got rid of from Christian orphanage in Nigeria two years in the past nonetheless unknown – Baptist Information World

InformationAnthony Akaeze | March 3, 2022
Replace: Quickly after this newsletter used to be revealed March 4, information arrived that Richard Solomon Musa Tarfa had that day been convicted in a Nigerian courtroom on a rate of forgery. His regulation company used to be anticipating further courtroom paperwork however stated it believes this used to be a wrongful conviction on trumped-up fees.
On Christmas Day 2019, state police entered a Christian orphanage in northern Nigeria and forcibly got rid of 19 kids in care there. Six days later, on New 12 months’s Eve 2019, state police forcibly entered a identical orphanage in some other location and got rid of 8 extra kids.
Richard Solomon Tarfa
Greater than two years later, the destiny of these kinds of kids stays unknown, amid allegations of abuse and compelled conversions to Islam. Professor Richard Solomon Musa Tarfa, co-founder of the 2 orphanages, used to be arrested, detained and now awaits trial whilst out on bail. To start with, he used to be charged with now not having a license to perform an orphanage. On the other hand, after he produced documentation proving the orphanages have been, in truth, registered, the fees have been modified to felony abduction of minors.
Now, a U.S.-based regulation company has petitioned the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, with a request for her to name at the Kano State authorities and Nigerian federal authorities to in an instant loose the relocated orphans and punish those that wrongly took them and closed the orphanages the place they in the past lived.
One of the crucial Du Merci kids sooner than they have been taken away.
In the meantime, two of the federal government officers on the middle of the scandal reportedly have vacationed in america whilst the displaced kids have been left to undergo, in keeping with the regulation company’s petition. The ones two officers are the governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the commissioner for Ladies Affairs and Social Building within the state, Zahrau Muhammad Umar.
“We’re gravely involved to be told that, along with the governor of Kano state’s consult with to the U.S. ultimate month, his commissioner for girls affairs additionally vacationed there as smartly,” the petitioners wrote. “Like Governor Ganduje, Commissioner Zahrau Umar is wholly not worthy of a U.S. visa according to traumatic studies of kid abuse, human rights abuses and non secular freedom abuses among others.”
Closing yr, the U.S. Fee on World Spiritual Freedom, in a document on Kano State, stated government there “have perpetrated one of the maximum egregious spiritual freedom violations” in Nigeria. Additionally ultimate yr, the U.S. State Division got rid of Nigeria from its Nations of Specific Worry checklist, overriding the advice of the Fee on World Spiritual Freedom and others taken with such problems.
As a country, Nigeria has been plagued by means of spiritual violence together with kidnappings and murders and persecution, making it one of the crucial least-safe nations at the continent.
As a country, Nigeria has been plagued by means of spiritual violence together with kidnappings and murders and persecution, making it one of the crucial least-safe nations at the continent.
The case of the kids got rid of from two Du Merci orphanages in past due 2019 suits into this better context.
The USA Nigeria Legislation Company, led by means of Emmanuel Ogebe, has filed the petition with the U.S. ambassador as a part of a bigger marketing campaign to attract consideration to the displaced kids. It additionally alleges that Nigeria’s Nationwide Company for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Individuals, which receives U.S. investment, is complicit within the removing of the kids and their flawed case since then.
“U.S. voters will in finding it unconscionable that their taxes are used to fund persecution of Christians and abuse of kids,” the petition to the ambassador defined.
The USA Nigeria Legislation Company and Ogebe rate that one of the got rid of kids were every now and then mistreated, malnourished and traumatized, and that some have transform ill or injured and now not won right kind care. Worse, the company fees, the Christian kids were given Muslim names and feature been “Islamized.”
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
“The youngsters are reportedly emaciated, unkempt and traumatized. In step with impeccable assets, the kids can now not talk English and now keep up a correspondence most effective in Hausa, having additionally been deeply indoctrinated with quranic recital in Arabic,” the petition states. “Much more abnormal, the 5 Christian orphans are being guarded by means of the Hisbah spiritual police of Kano State, confirming the spiritual purpose of the federal government in islamizing the Christian kids.”
The petition alleges that “the forceful conversion of those babies is simply the newest instance of Gov. (Abdullahi Umar) Ganduje’s radical Islamization time table. The governor have been featured in a viral video bribing Christian women with money to transform to Islam.”
Zahrau Muhammad Umar
BNG contacted Umar, the commissioner for Ladies Affairs and Social Building in Kano state, Feb. 15 by the use of telephone to talk at the allegations in opposition to her and the Kano State authorities. She responded that the problem of the Du Merci kids used to be past her and needed to do with the regulation and justice division. She requested the reporter to touch the state’s lawyer basic and commissioner of justice, Musa Abdullahi Lawan, who she stated used to be higher positioned to reply to the questions.
When he used to be reached by the use of telephone on Feb. 22, Lawan denied that the state authorities had anything else to do with the closure of Du Merci orphanage or removing of the individuals there. He stated it used to be the police that investigated and sealed up Du Merci and that the state authorities simply adopted up at the effort.
“The Kano State authorities took motion during the police. It’s a must to take into account that the police is a federal authorities company with the accountability of investigating conceivable felony movements,” he stated. “They investigated an operation right here in Kano in one of the crucial orphanages (run) by means of Du Merci and in Kaduna, and investigations proved that the orphanages have been being run illegally.”
Lawan
He added: “There are rules in Kano state, and those rules need to be obeyed. It’s a must to additionally take into account that Kano state had an issue of abducted kids, kids that have been abducted and later discovered within the southern a part of the rustic. It’s a case that had global protection and so, on account of that, Kano state could be very vigilant in regard to orphanages, and when the police investigated (on their very own, with out the prompting of the state authorities) and taken the case sooner than the ministry of justice, the one factor for the state to do is to initially cross during the case after which record the related fees.”
Losing gentle on how the Du Merci kids got here to be resettled in a government-run orphanage in some other house, Lawan stated: “When the police are operating, they don’t let us know what they’re investigating. They (police) went (to Du Merci), took the kids, closed the orphanages and despatched the youngsters to us. In fact, you realize the police can’t stay the kids. Once they took the kids, they now asked that the state authorities must stay them in authorities orphanages, and that’s precisely what came about. And the case has been charged to courtroom.”
Lawan denied that the kids weren’t smartly looked after or that one of the crucial kids who used to be seriously injured in a fireplace incident within the authorities orphanage didn’t obtain right kind care.
“The orphanage is at all times open,” he stated. “You’ll be able to stroll in as of late and spot the situation of the kids. No one is avoided from going to peer their situation or how they’re being looked after. I guarantee you, this can be a state you’re speaking about, a state authorities. You don’t be expecting a state authorities to stay kids and maltreat them. For what reason why? It’s simply an allegation by means of other folks seeking to motive mischief.”
Lawan additionally brushed aside claims by means of the United States Nigeria regulation staff that some kids have been Islamized or had their Christian names swapped with Islamic ones.
“I believe some persons are seeking to flip this into a spiritual factor,” he stated. “The allegation in opposition to Du Merci is that it used to be getting used as a conduit to illegally ship kids to the southern a part of the rustic. If we make a selection to deliver faith into such problems, I believe we can be deceiving ourselves. The problem is ready an unlawful orphanage till the courtroom proves another way.”
And as to the U.S. Fee on World Spiritual Freedom’s document about Kano state perpetuating “one of the maximum egregious spiritual freedom violations” in Nigeria, Lawan once more denied the fees.
“Kano State is a shining gentle in Nigeria in relation to spiritual solidarity.”
The state acts inside the rules of Nigeria, which promises positive rights, he stated, including that non-Muslims within the majority Muslim state aren’t discriminated in opposition to. He described Kano as a spot comprising over 500 church buildings unfold around the state the place Christians are loose to follow their faith with out discrimination and that the extent of non violent co-existence and solidarity amongst Christians and Muslims within the state contributes to creating it essentially the most non violent state in Nigeria.
“Kano State is a shining gentle in Nigeria in relation to spiritual solidarity,” he stated.
Ogebe and the United States Nigeria Legislation staff don’t see it the similar approach. Ogebe informed BNG that the trial of Tarfa and the ordeal of the detained kids is a contravention of the Nigerian charter and an attack at the accused and his wards.
Efforts to talk to Tarfa, the Du Merci founder, have been unsuccessful. A supply just about him informed BNG he isn’t in a position to talk to the media on account of his upcoming courtroom case and the want to permit the courtroom do its paintings.
Anthony Akaeze is a Nigerian-born freelance journalist who lately lives in Houston. He covers Africa for BNG.
Similar articles:
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Christian and Muslim teams reply otherwise to U.S. removing of Nigeria as a U.S. Nation of Specific Worry
The battle to rotate presidential energy between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria
U.S. company requires extra spiritual freedom in Nigeria
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The Friend Who Sticks Closer than a Brother

Embracing True Friendship: The Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother
Friendship is a valuable asset that enriches our lives by providing companionship, support, and a shoulder to cry on. But have you ever had a buddy who goes above and beyond—someone who remains closer than a brother? In a world where relationships can be fickle, a friend who sticks by us through thick and thin is a rare and priceless gift.
More Than Just Blood Ties
Consider the tie between siblings, which is based on blood and shared history. Consider a buddy who is more than just a family member. “One who has untrustworthy friends soon comes to ruin,” says Proverbs 18:24 (NIV), “but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse describes a friendship that goes beyond basic conditions. It’s a bond founded on trust, loyalty, and real concern for one another.
Continuous Support
Consider a buddy who is present not only during happy times but also during difficult times. This type of friend is unconcerned about changing circumstances or personal gain. They provide their presence, encouragement, and steadfast support.
Jesus expresses the core of such friendship in John 15:13 (NIV): “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. This selfless affection serves as the foundation for a lasting connection.
Journeys Together
Consider a friend you’ve shared many stages of life with—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This shared experience forges a link that extends beyond surface-level exchanges. The value of companionship is brilliantly captured in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV): “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
A friend who sticks closer than a brother is someone who goes beside us through life’s ups and downs, lending a solid hand and an ear to listen.
A Mirror of God’s Love
As a symbol of God’s love for us, consider the buddy who sticks closer than a brother. God Himself offers an unbroken, unchanging, and everlasting companionship. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” says the Bible in Romans 8:38–39.
God’s love is the ultimate paradigm of true friendship—a love that is not conditional but remains faithful regardless of what happens.
Conclusion: Value true friendship.
A friend who sticks closer to you than a sibling is a treasure to be treasured. This type of friendship is founded on love, trust, and mutual care rather than convenience or shared interests. May we seek to be that sort of friend to others in our lives, just as God offers us His unfailing love.
In a world where relationships can be fleeting, let us create friendships that will endure. Let us be the sort of friends who are present in both joy and sadness, who offer unconditional support, and who mirror God’s unfailing love. We are reminded of the beauty of true friendship, which clings closer than a brother, as we welcome and cherish these unique and valuable ties.
God
The Just God

The Just God: The Divine Balance of Justice and Mercy
The concept of justice is intertwined with the fabric of human society. We seek justice, responsibility, and reparation for wrongs done. But have you ever pondered a God who is not only just but also perfectly just? The Just God is a lighthouse of truth and righteousness, providing a profound awareness of justice and kindness that transcends human comprehension.
Justice in Pursuit
Consider a world where wrongdoers go unpunished and the disadvantaged have no recourse. The pursuit of justice is a natural human goal that reflects a feeling of rightness and order. And if we as humans value justice, how much more should the Creator of the universe, who is completely just?
According to Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV), “He is the rock; his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. He is a loyal God who does no wrong, who is straight and just. This verse reveals God’s character, which is characterized by unwavering justice.
Justice and Mercy in Balance
Consider yourself in front of a judge who holds you accountable for every action and decision you make. Imagine that same judge showing mercy and giving you a second opportunity despite the evidence against you. The just God is kind as well as just.
This delicate balance is captured in Psalm 103:10–11 (NIV): “He does not treat us as our sins deserve, nor does He repay us according to our iniquities. For his love for people who fear him is as high as the skies are above the earth. God’s justice is balanced by his unending love and kindness.
The Redemption of Justice
Consider a debt that you will never be able to repay—a debt of mistakes and wrongs that weigh heavy on your soul. In His perfect justice, the just God provides a solution. God provides a mechanism for justice to be served and redemption to be offered through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” says Romans 3:23–24 (NIV), “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. This is an example of justice being met via the redemptive act of Christ’s sacrifice.
A Call to Justice
Consider a society in which justice is not simply a notion but a way of life. In our interactions with others, the just God calls us to exemplify justice. Micah 6:8 (NIV) states unequivocally, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. What does the Lord expect of you? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Living justly entails treating people with fairness, compassion, and respect, as the character of the just God requires.
Finishing: Adoring the Just God
The Just God asks us to comprehend the breadth of His justice—a justice that supports truth, requires accountability, and strikes a balance between mercy and justice. God’s justice and mercy merge in the person of Jesus Christ, offering us redemption and restoration.
May we turn to the just God as our ultimate standard as we traverse a world that frequently grapples with issues of fairness. May we seek His wisdom and counsel in order to live justly and treat others with love and justice. We find not only a paradigm of perfect justice but also an invitation to experience the transformative power of His kindness when we embrace the Just God.
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The Pleasure of Serving Others: A Pathway to Achievement

The Pleasure of Serving Others: A Highway to Contentment
Have you ever ever felt the nice and cozy glow that effects from lending a serving to hand to a stranger, the enjoyment that lasts for days after the act of kindness? That emotion offers a way of the pride of serving to others. The straightforward act of serving to can give us a sense of function and pleasure in contrast to the rest in a society that incessantly pushes us to place our consideration on ourselves.
The Want to Serve
Believe a society the place everybody labored to fortify the lives of people of their instant neighborhood. The need to lend a serving to hand, proportion a load, and supply comfort is on the core of carrier. The instance used to be established through Jesus Himself when he stated, “For even the Son of Guy didn’t come to be served, however to serve, and to provide his lifestyles as a ransom for plenty of.” (NIV, Mark 10:45)
Serving others is extra than just a nice deed; it is a way to emulate the compassion and love that Christ proven for us.
Discovering Pleasure in Selfless Giving
Believe spending time with the aged or going to a neighborhood refuge to hear their stories and cause them to really feel essential. Those tiny acts of kindness won’t appear to be a lot, however they be capable to make any person’s day higher, create relationships, and toughen a sense of group.
A better feeling of pleasure emerges after we set aside our personal issues and be aware of the wishes of others. The Bible admonishes us, “Every of you can use no matter present you’ve gotten won to serve others, as trustworthy stewards of God’s grace in its more than a few paperwork.” (NIV) 1 Peter 4:10 We specific the particular talents God has given us through serving others, and it’s in those deeds of carrier that we discover authentic pleasure.
Have an effect on Unmeasurable
Take into consideration the impact if all of us realized to experience serving to others. If we take a bit spoil from our tense schedules to lend a hand a neighbor, supply a sympathetic ear, or donate cash to a reason we reinforce. Small acts of kindness have the facility to unfold, sparking a sequence response of generosity and optimistic exchange.
In step with the NIV translation of Matthew 25:40, Jesus stated, “Actually I inform you, no matter you probably did for this sort of least of those brothers and sisters of mine, you probably did for me.” No longer simplest can we fortify the lives of other folks we serve, however we additionally perform Jesus’ command to like and deal with the ones round us.
Development Relationships and Connections
Believe the sensation of camaraderie that comes from cooperating with others to reach a shared purpose. Folks come in combination via carrier, growing ties and friendships that differently won’t have took place. It serves as a reminder that we’re all part of a broader group, and that group would possibly take pleasure in the acts we do.
Serving others permits us to peer the arena from many angles and to realize the demanding situations and victories of other folks round us. Our lives are enriched and {our relationships} are deepened through this sensitivity.
Conclusion: Discovering Contentment Via Carrier
Every people has a skill that is able to be opened: the pleasure of serving to others. It serves as a reminder that our lives are meant to be about extra than just our personal pursuits; they’re an opportunity to fortify the lives of others.
Let’s thus embody the pride of serving to others, if it is by means of deeds of kindness, volunteering, or simply being conscious about their wishes. The easy act of serving would possibly supply mild and hope in a global that every so often turns out overwhelming. As we emulate Christ and prolong ourselves in love, we no longer simplest exchange the lives of others but additionally revel in a deep feeling of success and enjoyment that overflows into our personal hearts.
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