In Nigeria, “fasting, prayer” Declared in Honor of Murdered “simple, devout Pastor”

The 50-year-old Nigerian Prelate has also been quoted as urging Nigeria’s “federal and state Governments to redouble efforts in ensuring lasting security and peace across the country as well as activities of the terrorists in the North East.”

In a message shared with Aid to the Church in Need International (ACN) and extended to ACI Africa, a Catholic priest in Yola Diocese described Pastor Andimi as “a simple and devout Pastor who handled his responsibility of pastoring his flock with diligence. He was an amiable Pastor and was also a responsible family man. He showed great commitment to his family, flock and his work as the Chairman of Michika local government of the Christian Association of Nigeria.”

Having known the late Pastor and expressing the sentiments of others who knew the church leader, the priest recounted, “From my experience of him and the close testimony of his flock I would say he was a good Christian.”

The cleric explained referencing late Rev. Andimi, “He had quite good self-control among the many good virtues he possessed. He finally witnessed to God with his life at the hands of the insurgents. Not neglecting his weaknesses, he was a committed Christian Leader.”

“It's terribly sad news for the Christian community in Michika, his flock, family and friends and indeed the Christian Community in Nigeria,” the Catholic Priest bemoaned and added, “It is also worrying that events are unfolding in this manner. The Christian community is saddened especially by his gruesome murder by his abductors.”

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The cleric prayed that Rev. Andimi’s “death would unite Christians in praying for peace. His death is great loss to us as Christians in Michika and especially for those of us who knew him personally.”

According to Human Rights Watch World Report 2020, the northeastern part of Nigeria has borne the brunt of Boko Haram attacks in the last 10 years, with fighting between the insurgents and security forces killing an estimated  27,000 people, among them 37 aid workers. The report indicates that in 2019 alone, 640 civilians were killed following renewed fighting between the militants and government forces.