In a devastating continuation of recent events in Nigeria’s Plateau State, a fresh dawn attack on April 14 has claimed the lives of at least 51 Christians in another predominantly Christian community. This tragic incident follows a massacre earlier this month that left over 60 Christians dead, further highlighting a disturbing trend of violence in the region.
Brutal Assault on Zikke Village
Muslim Fulani herdsmen launched the attack in the early hours at Zikke village in the Kwall District of Bassa County, according to resident Blessing Yakubu. In a text message to MSN, Yakubu reported, “Over 40 Christians have been killed in a fresh attack which occurred in Zikke village of Kwall district in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State,” later updating the fatality number to 51.
A Series of Deadly Incidents
This latest attack is just one in a series of violent incidents in Bassa County. On Friday, April 11, suspected herdsmen targeted the predominantly Christian village of Zogu in Miango District, killing three members of a family, including a father and his two sons. Earlier that week, on Tuesday night (April 8), herdsmen raided three predominantly Christian villages in the area, leaving two people dead.
Community leader Joseph Chudu Yonkpa expressed deep concern about the ongoing violence:
“Barely 24 hours after we laid to rest our beloved brethren of Hwrra village killed by Fulani militias, these same herdsmen have launched three separate deadly attacks on our communities on the night of April 8,” Yonkpa told Morning Star News. He added, “These attacks are part of a disturbing trend of violence and destruction of farm crops that has plagued the area for years.”
Lack of Government Response Sparks Outcry
Yonkpa also criticized the silence from state authorities regarding these heinous crimes. “We are deeply concerned about the silence of state actors, the lack of condemnation, and the absence of intervention or visitation to our people,” he said. The community remains frustrated by the apparent inaction in arresting the perpetrators, even as the attacks continue unabated on a daily basis.
The Context of Conflict in Nigeria
Across Nigeria and the broader Sahel region, millions of Muslims—particularly those among the Fulani, a diverse group composed of hundreds of clans—are implicated in these recurrent attacks. While many Fulani are not extremists, certain factions adhere to radical Islamist ideologies, fueling the violence against Christian communities. According to the 2025 Open Doors World Watch List, Nigeria ranks 7th among countries where Christians face the most severe persecution.
Despite this relentless assault on religious freedom, the gospel continues to spread in Nigeria. Over the past twenty years, Christianity has grown significantly—from representing around 40% of the population in 2001 to nearly 50% today. In raw numbers, the Christian population increased from an estimated 60 million in 2000 to about 96 million in 2020, with projections indicating growth to over 155 million by 2050.
Hope Amid Tragedy
Even as communities mourn the loss of lives, many remain committed to their faith. The resilience of the Nigerian Christian community is evident as they continue to worship and spread the message of peace despite the ever-present threat of violence. The urgent calls for government intervention and international attention are echoed by local leaders and faith-based organizations alike.
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