Photo: VOMC
In central Nigeria, Plateau State has been a hotspot for significant violence from militant groups during recent years. Over the past month, as many as 130 Christians have died in various attacks within the state. In each case, the violence has been attributed to groups of Fulani militants.
On the night of March 23rd, three Christian men were ambushed and killed while travelling home from Kwall in Bassa County. Less than a day later, another Christian man, Dumba Yohanna, was targeted and brutally killed in the community of Nzharuvo, while an additional targeted believer from the same area narrowly escaped the attack. Then, on April 2nd, yet another Christian from Nzharuvo, Dewi Terry Nah, was tragically stabbed to death by militants.
In a separate series of attacks described by the state governor as "genocide," more than 60 Christians were killed in seven communities of Bokkos County on April 2nd and 3rd. In the village of Hurti, assailants killed over 40 people and destroyed almost 400 homes. More than 1,000 surviving villagers were displaced after fleeing from the terror and destruction. In the village of Ruwi, 11 Christians were killed while attending the wake of a deceased community member. By the following morning, another ten believers were found dead in the village.
In Bassa County, a repeat of multiple attacks led to more casualties. Three Christians from Hwrra village were attacked by militant Fulani herdsmen on April 7th. On the evening of Palm Sunday, April 13th, attackers raided the hamlet of Zike. Witnesses reported hearing sounds of sporadic gunfire from multiple locations and noted that, by morning, the bodies of at least 49 believers were found.
Attacks by gangs of Fulani herdsmen have continued to escalate in Nigeria, and Christians are frequently targeted due to the militant Islamic beliefs held by many of the aggressors. While some blame the intensifying violence on the ongoing struggle for resources between local farmers and migrant herders, the state governor, Caleb Muftwang, believes that there is more behind the attacks. Speaking to the media, the governor stated: "I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists. The question is, who are the persons behind the organizers of this terrorism?" To access more information about the violent persecution of Nigerian followers of Jesus, including informative video interviews, go to our country profile.
- Prayerfully remember the families, friends and community members of all those who were slaughtered during this recent series of senseless attacks.
- Please pray on behalf of the many surviving Nigerians in Plateau State who are now trying to cope with the traumatic loss of their homes, possessions and loved ones, asking the Lord to ensure they receive adequate provisions and protection – as well as physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
- Pray that Nigeria's governing forces will be provided with the necessary wisdom, guidance and resources to bring an end to these devastating attacks.
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