Barnabas Fund is praying this month for Christians in Nigeria after they were badly hit in last month's anti-Christian rioting in Kano State.

At least nine Christians were killed by Muslims in a wave of violent attacks in Kano State, northern Nigeria, between 28 and 29 September.

A number of churches were also burned to the ground while the homes and businesses of non-Muslims were also destroyed. One Barnabas source estimated that as many as 126 Christian homes were attacked by rioters.

The trigger behind the riots remains unclear, although there are rumours that they were prompted by a picture that offended Muslims, although the exact details of the picture are unclear.

There is also speculation that authorities removed many of the bodies to obscure the actual death toll.

"Praise God for the patience of Christians in Kano who turned the other cheek and did not retaliate against those who attacked them and destroyed their property, said Barnabas. "Pray that they will continue to respond with Christ-like forgiveness. Pray for those who were bereaved in the latest rioting that they will find comfort and hope in the Lord."

Barnabas appealed to Christians to support the appeal of Samuel Salifu of the Christian Association of Nigeria with prayer. He has asked the Nigerian Government to take action against those who regularly stir up anti-Christian violence in the country.