GOOD MORNING.
Each week we track the rising threats facing churches worldwide — from violent attacks to vandalism and theft. But awareness is only half the battle. That’s why we’re launching the ROAM Intelligence Church Security Self-Assessment Tool, created to help pastors, elders, and security teams evaluate risks, identify gaps, and strengthen protections before crisis strikes.
This tool is available exclusively to ROAM members and is designed to give your congregation practical steps toward greater safety and resilience.
Learn more and get access today: roamintelligence.com
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SPECIAL REPORT
A Targeted Assassination
Tragedy struck the Catholic community in Enugu city when a priest was ambushed and shot dead by gunmen. The attack, carried out in broad daylight, has shaken the faithful and underscored the growing vulnerability of clergy across Nigeria. Local reports indicate the priest was specifically targeted, echoing a pattern of violence where religious leaders have become victims of assassination, abduction, and extortion.
Security Forces Respond
In the days following the murder, police launched a sweeping operation that resulted in the arrest of 38 suspects across Enugu. Authorities say the detentions are part of a broader crackdown on armed gangs destabilizing the southeast. While officials hailed the arrests as a step toward justice, community leaders cautioned that only sustained security reforms will prevent future killings. Fear remains high, as many priests and pastors have been forced to live under constant threat.
A Church in Mourning, a State on Edge
The Catholic Church in Enugu has called for prayers and solidarity, urging the government to take concrete measures to protect clergy and congregations. Parishioners gathered for vigils, mourning not just their priest but what his death symbolizes: the erosion of safety in sacred spaces. For many in Enugu, the killing has become a rallying point demanding accountability from state authorities, even as the church struggles to carry on its mission amid violence.
REGIONAL THREATS
AFRICA
LAFIA, NIGERIA – Armed men kidnapped a pastor’s wife and a church member in Lafia, the state capital, continuing a surge of abductions targeting Christians.
AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA – Two women were arrested in Akure for allegedly stealing children during a church service, part of what authorities call a trafficking network.
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA – Armed men stormed an evening worship service in Benin City, robbing congregants at gunpoint.
MUIDUMO, CABO DELGADO, MOZAMBIQUE – ISIS-linked jihadists executed four Christians by beheading near Muidumo, part of a broader campaign of religious and ethnic cleansing in Cabo Delgado Province.
MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA
FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN – A Pentecostal pastor survived an assassination attempt in Faisalabad. Rights groups note rising persecution of pastors and evangelists in Pakistan.
SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – In Seoul, a megachurch pastor who defied COVID lockdowns and criticized progressive policies was arrested and jailed, sparking debate over religious freedom and public safety.
LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
URUAPAN, MICHOACÁN, MEXICO – Authorities arrested several Luz del Mundo church members in Uruapan, Michoacán, in connection with ongoing investigations into corruption and abuse.
NORTH AMERICA
BELLIS, ALBERTA, CANADA – Fire damaged All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Bellis, a rural Alberta village. Cause remains under investigation.
BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI, USA – A man in Brookhaven was convicted of church arson, with prosecutors describing the act as intentional destruction of community property.
RAMONA, CALIFORNIA, USA – Police in Ramona arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the shooting death of Pastor Felipe Ascencio.
EL PASO, TEXAS, USA – A man in El Paso was arrested for setting fire to a church hosting a Charlie Kirk memorial service, in what police describe as politically motivated arson.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA – Churches and shrines across San Diego were vandalized in a string of hate crimes; police are seeking public tips.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA – A school employee in Columbia was accused of embezzling $10,000 from a local church, undermining community trust.
EUROPE
PASTENA, SALERNO, ITALY – Police discovered an unexploded grenade outside a shop near a church in Pastena, raising fears of intimidation.
JÄRFÄLLA, SWEDEN – A large police operation in Järfälla, near Stockholm, uncovered hand grenades close to a church site, linked to gang-related crime.
BANGOR, CO DOWN, NORTHERN IRELAND – A man was arrested with a suspected firearm on church grounds in Bangor, prompting heightened security concerns.
CANIÇAL, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL – Thieves broke into a church in Caniçal, stealing thousands of euros in festival donations intended for local ministries.
AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA
No current updates.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who face relentless violence from armed groups, kidnappers, and extremists. Ask the Lord to strengthen their faith, protect their families, and bring justice to those who seek to harm them. Pray also for peace in the nation, that communities of faith may worship freely without fear.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
OUR SERVICES
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Our Mission:
To dismantle information silos, unite the global Church, and empower believers with the clarity, context, and community they need to thrive in high-risk environments.
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