In Kaduna state, Nigeria, 16 Christians were killed by Muslims

This week, in Kaduna state, Nigeria, 15 Christians lost their lives at the hands of Fulani herdsmen and other terrorist groups, which followed the killing of another Christian last week, according to sources. On September 27, the attackers targeted Angwan Magaji village, predominantly Christian in Kauru County, resulting in the deaths of three Christians. The day before, they attacked Kigam village, where three more were killed. Additionally, four individuals from these villages sustained injuries from the attacks. Abel Habila Adamu, a community leader in the area and president of the Chawai Development Association, identified the victims in both villages, emphasizing that this situation highlights the severe threat posed by terrorists and herdsmen in the region.

Adamu urged the Nigerian government to take swift action to put an end to the ongoing attacks on Christians in Kaduna state and other parts of the country, where terrorist activities have become rampant. He strongly condemned the killings and emphasized the need for government authorities to approach security concerns with sincerity and proactive measures.

On September 26, assailants also targeted Takkanai village, primarily inhabited by Christians in Zangon Kataf County. The attack resulted in the deaths of six Christians and injuries to four others, as reported by local residents. The attackers, armed with guns and other deadly weapons, launched the assault at around 7 p.m. while the villagers were preparing for sleep. Tragically, among the victims were two children, according to Samson Markus, a community leader in Zangon Kataf.

It is important to note that in the 2023 World Watch List, which ranks countries where it is most challenging to practice Christianity, Nigeria climbed to the sixth position, its highest ranking to date, up from seventh place in the previous year. The report highlighted the activities of militants from various groups, including the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and others, who engage in violent acts such as raids on Christian communities, resulting in killings, injuries, sexual violence, and abductions for ransom or enslavement. It also pointed out that this violence has spilled over into the predominantly Christian southern region of the nation. Despite these glaring issues, the Nigerian government continues to deny that this constitutes religious persecution, allowing violations of Christians' rights to persist with impunity.