'Remains of the Day': TV broadcast on persecuted church in Nigeria

A major new TV documentary on the persecuted church in Nigeria is to air on satellite TV next week.

'Remains of the Day' is co-produced by Release International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and The Voice of the Martyrs Canada and is meant to raise awareness of the plight of Christians in Nigeria as well as generate prayer and support for them.

Thousands of Christians have been killed as a result of violent persecution in Nigeria. The documentary covers the story of five Christians in Maiduguri where a mob went to torch their houses, churches and businesses, killing 65 people.

Recently the police have been using tanks on the streets to prevent more attacks by extremists.

In 'Remains of the Day', the amazing faith of Nigerian Christians who have suffered persecution comes to light. Hannatu, whose three children were killed by being driven into flames, said, "I have forgiven them already - it was very difficult, but Jesus did it for me."

Another example is Augustine who spoke of the time he faced a mob that planned to kill him and his family. "Their leader walked up to me with the dagger hand up to strike - but the Almighty God intervened," he said.

Interviews with those affected were shot on location, often in the ruins of churches that have been attacked.

The documentary is by award-winning journalist Andrew Boyd who poses challenging questions for viewers: Could we forgive? Should we defend ourselves? And why have the killers gone unpunished?

The documentary also warns that more attacks could follow, and tells how Christians in the UK can help.

The riots in Maiduguri were caused by a cartoon of Mohammed featured in a Danish magazine. Under Islam images of Mohammed are considered blasphemous. Further cartoons are threatening to cause fresh outbreaks of violence.

In Kano state a Christian student had to flee for his life after being falsely accused of drawing a picture of Mohammed. A riot erupted and 10 Christians were killed by militants who also set fire to nine churches along with Christian homes and businesses.

Since then more cartoons of Mohammed have been published in Bangladesh, where riots followed, and in Sweden. A $100,000 reward has been offered by Al Qaeda for anyone who cuts the throat of the Swedish cartoonist.

'Remains of the Day' will be broadcasted on Genesis TV on 20 November at 9pm and will be followed by a one hour studio and phone in discussion at 10pm.

Revelation TV will broadcast the first 30 minutes at the same time, but will show the full programme at 1am and 1.30pm the next day.

'Remains of the Day' is also available on DVD from Release International and includes an extended interview with the Bishop of Jos, Benjamin Kwashi.