wound during one of the attacks.
Photo: Church in Chains
Two recent attacks in Kaduna State show the extent of violence facing Nigerian Christians due to the terrorism of Fulani militia groups....
On the evening of May 11th, Fulani gunmen laid siege to the village of Gonan Rogo in the Kajuru area. Entire households were wiped out as the militants went from house to house, killing those they found. In one home, Jonathan Yakubu was slaughtered, along with his wife and three young children. In another home, a mother and child were killed, but a three-month-old baby girl miraculous survived a bullet wound to her head. The baby is now in the care of her aunt. In all, 17 people were killed that night and six injured. Ages of the victims ranged from young children to the elderly.
Fulani herdsmen are also suspected as the perpetrators of further attacks on several farming villages from May 18th to the 22nd, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people, with several others injured or missing. These villages were all inhabited by the Adara people, who are known to be predominantly Christian. According to one resident, as many as 4,000 people are now internally displaced due to the attacks, and often struggling to survive with little to eat. Awema Maisamari from the Adara Development Association reports that at least 63 attacks have taken place in the Kajuru region since this January.
May the Lord's comforting presence and grace rest on each of the Nigerian believers now grieving the devastating loss of loved ones who were slain in these communities. Pray that the survivors will receive healing and consolation from God, and that they be further encouraged through their relationships with one another. Continue upholding the Nigerian authorities who must act proactively and swiftly in order to counter these attacks, rather than arriving at the scene well after the perpetrators have departed and the damage has been done.
Population
