Nigeria: Five mission stations in the vicariate of Kontagora

Five Missions in areas of Primary Evangelisation: Bible study for girls @ACN
Five Missions in areas of Primary Evangelisation: Bible study for girls @ACN

The apostolic vicariate of Kontagora lies in the north-west of Nigeria. There are an estimated 50,000 Catholics living within this area. The original apostolic prefecture was founded by the late Pope John Paul II in December 1995 (and raised to a vicariate in 2002) in order to bring the Gospel to the indigenous tribal peoples of the region. Bishop Timothy Carroll, its present vicar apostolic, wrote to ACN in 2004 about these peoples: "The hour has come. These people will now decide either for Christianity or for Islam. The next five to ten years will be decisive. Either we evangelise them now, or we must for ever abandon them to Islam."

The Kontagora vicariate was formed from parts of three other dioceses and covers the three federal states of Niger, Zamfara and Kebbi. It is a region dominated by Islam, which is spreading its influence ever further. To give some idea of this expansion, in 1980 there were some 1,350 Islamic NGOs operating in the area. By the year 2000 this number had increased to 4,028! Many of these Islamic agencies are seeking to convert the local people to Islam - by any and every means. Christians who resist are subject to discrimination in every area of their lives. All the state schools at based on Islam; the pupils are given Islamic names, even if they are Christians, and all the prayers in school are Islamic in inspiration. Although a handful of Christians have converted to Islam, lured by the offer of a bowl of rice and a job, the majority have not let themselves be intimidated by the Islamic presence. The Catholic Church has established four Catholic schools in the area and has translated the Bible and other texts into local languages. There are also plans for a Catholic radio station, with broadcasts in the indigenous languages.

Both the Christians and the followers of traditional African religions are resisting more and more strongly against the imposition of the Islamic faith. There have already been a number of fatal clashes between Muslims and the Kamberi, a local tribe, after Muslims smashed up beer jugs (on the grounds that sharia law forbids alcohol). These beer jugs symbolise the fact that beer is one of the most important sources of income for the indigenous women in Kontagora. In September 2004 there were attacks on Christians by Muslim fundamentalists seeking to convert their fellow Nigerians. In many parts of the North Christians were killed and their churches burned to the ground. In other parts of the country Christians were forced to close their chapels. One priest in Kaduna was murdered, leaving his flock traumatised.

Within the vicariate of Kontagora, five new mission stations have been opened in recent years. The principal ethnic groups in this region are the Kamberi, Dukawa, Dakakeri und Kamuki peoples. Most practise traditional African religions and live a semi-nomadic existence across this part of Nigeria. The rate of illiteracy among them stands at between 70% and 95%, and in order to combat this problem, the missionaries are offering courses in reading and writing in these new mission areas. The courses are held during the dry season, from January to March, based on three sessions of three months, and end each year with a certificate. Those who have completed the full course often return to their villages as prayer leaders or choir leaders. Another important aspect of the work in these mission stations is health education. One sister regularly visits the mothers in the different villages, explaining to them the basics of nutrition and health care. The missionaries are also helping to provide clean drinking water. This kind of holistic approach is in itself a kind of 'pre-evangelisation', and villages that have seen the benefits of clean drinking water will often very soon express the desire to build a chapel as well.

The Karenbana mission station includes 56 Catholic communities. In 2007 there were no fewer than 50 courses in reading and writing. In addition, the missionaries purchased sewing machines for the women in the villages. Nsanji Nkoso station was opened first in 2003 and the first literacy classes were given in 2005. Muslims in the area tried in vain to prevent the building of Catholic churches, and many such churches still have to be kept locked at night. In an effort to create a good climate between the local chief and the Muslims, the priest in charge of Nsanji Nkoso regularly invites the Muslim leaders and the representatives of the tribal religions to eat with him. Slowly and gradually, a good relationship is being established. Life in these mission outposts is very simple; the priests and missionaries live alongside the local villagers, far from the trappings of modern life. Except that in the remote mission station of Shafashi, with its 100 or so Catholic communities, electricity is provided by solar energy and by a generator, in order to save on electricity costs.

Karenbana, Nsanji Nkoso and Shafashi are just three of the five mission stations in the north-west of Nigeria that are proving such a rich field for evangelisation. Some 80% of the local people are aged 10 years old or younger. Vocations among the indigenous population are on the increase, and there is now a Catholic chapel in each of these five missions. Between 200 and 300 people are attending the literacy classes, and many of them are willing to travel long distances in order to be able to learn to read and write. As a result they often have to stay overnight and so they need a place to stay and the necessary facilities, toilets etc. Needless to say, the priest and missionaries are dependent on outside donations for this and have turned to ACN for help. Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, we have been able to help them with €123,849, spread over three years. The vicar apostolic, Bishop Timothy Carroll, has written again, thanking all our benefactors. "Without your help these missions would not exist. It will take years before these young Catholic communities can become financially independent. But the first fruits give us hope ... May all at ACN and all our generous benefactors share in the fruits of our mission."

To know about this and many other similar projects in favour of the pastoral needs of the suffering Church, please contact our national offices.