The death toll from recent attacks on predominantly Christian farming communities in Nigeria’s north-central Plateau state has now exceeded 60. Armed Fulani herders, amid contentious land disputes and growing Islamic pressure, have struck several villages in the region. Local officials in Bokkos Local Government Area reported that while the initial death count was 10, subsequent recoveries have now brought the total to 48 bodies, with community members forced to carry out burials by torchlight.
Shocking Violence in the Heartland
According to Bokkos LGA official Farmasum Fuddang, the killings occurred in villages including Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai. In a harrowing account, Ruwi resident Tajot Stephen Alexander recalled the sudden assault that claimed the lives of 11 residents, among them a pregnant woman. The Plateau chapter of the Gan Allah Cattle Breeders Association condemned the violence as “barbaric,” although the group controversially suggested that Fulani herders should instead complain about alleged land grabbing by local Christian farming communities.
Critics, however, argue that Christians are being deliberately targeted by predominantly Muslim groups, including both Fulani herders and notorious Islamic militants and bandits. Military authorities claim that troops and local vigilante groups have engaged the attackers and are pursuing the fleeing criminals, yet local Christians say these measures have done little to stem the tide of violence. Alarmingly, there are also reports of kidnappings – including that of Maria, a Christian mother who stated she would rather risk her life trying to escape than remain and become a Muslim.
Broader Impact and Rising Tensions
Brian Orme, CEO of Global Christian Relief, described the situation as a “devastating spiritual battle” that sees religiously motivated violence intensifying across the nation. He recalled past incidents, including a December 2023 massacre that claimed nearly 300 lives during the Christmas season and an earlier attack in April 2023 in Mangu that killed between 130 and 200 people. According to the latest figures from advocacy group Open Doors, Nigeria witnessed the killing of 3,100 Christians and the kidnapping of 2,830 in 2024—making it the worst-affected nation in terms of Christian persecution, and ranking Nigeria 7th on the annual World Watch List.
Despite these dire conditions, Christian communities in Nigeria continue to grow. Researchers note that the Christian share of the population has risen from about 40% in 2001 to nearly 50% today, with the number of Christians increasing from approximately 60 million in 2000 to roughly 96 million in 2020, and projections estimating over 155 million by 2050.
A Call for Resilience and Change
Amid the chaos, survivors like Maria offer a message of hope and resilience. “Let’s hold on to God and go to church. That is what will strengthen us,” she said after her harrowing escape from her captors. “With God, all things are possible.”
The escalating violence, including targeted killings and kidnappings, underscores urgent calls from human rights organizations and religious advocates for enhanced protection of vulnerable communities in Nigeria. As global attention focuses on the plight of Nigerians facing religious persecution, affected communities remain determined to hold onto their faith despite the overwhelming odds.
About The Author
Discover more from Faith & Freedom News - FFN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
