Christians in Nigeria continue to face deadly attacks by Islamic extremists. During the past week, Muslim Fulani gunmen killed at least 19 Christians. They also threatened Muslim converts to Christianity and destroyed crops grown by Christian farmers. Here are detailed reports from various states:

Southern Kaduna

On June 7, a Fulani man faced threats to his life for leaving Islam to follow Christ. Fulani Islamic extremists attacked the village of Loh in Kauru County on July 2, targeting the Christian family who sheltered the Christian Fulani man. Unable to find the man, the Fulani extremists killed three family members: Jummai Razor, 5; Sarah Razor, 12; and Jummai Aruwa, 83.

International Christian Concern (ICC) staff safely relocated the Fulani man. He told an ICC staffer that his cattle were seized by his Fulani Muslim brothers and asked for prayers to remain strong in his faith and influence other Muslims. 

Katsina State

In the early hours of July 2, bandits killed Dr. Tiri Gyan David, a Christian lecturer at Federal University Dutsin-Ma, and abducted his two children. The attack occurred in Yarima Quarters, and eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists invaded with sophisticated weapons, causing widespread panic. The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the incident and promised further updates. Dr. David’s wife requested prayers and government intervention to secure the release of her children.

Benue State

On the night of July 2, Islamic Fulani extremists killed 11 Christians in Ayati-Sai village, Ukum County. Earlier, on July 1, three people from the Agagbe Internally Displaced Persons camp were killed returning from their farms. The extremists also destroyed government properties, including facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In response, the Benue state government imposed a curfew in the affected communities.

Plateau State

Fulani herders continued their destruction of cropland in Miango communities. During the past two months, 17 Christians have been killed. Recently, two people were killed in Maiyanga village, located in the Kwall district of Bassa county. ICC staff documented the ongoing violence and destruction of farms by Fulani extremists.

“The situation for Christians in Nigeria remains dire, with continuous attacks from Islamic extremists, targeting converts, communities, and agricultural livelihoods,” an ICC staffer said. “The international community and local authorities must address these human rights violations and support the affected communities.”

Source: International Christian Concern

Photo:   František Bašo