Nigeria: 42 Christians killed in jihadist attacks in Taraba State

Image: Jihad Watch

In the early hours of Saturday, May 24, a brutal attack carried out by Fulani herdsmen claimed the lives of at least 42 people across three predominantly Christian villages in Taraba State, located in Nigeria’s northeastern region, according to multiple sources including local officials and residents. The affected communities—Munga Dosso, Munga Lelau, and Bandawa, all situated within the Karim Lamido Local Government Area—were viciously raided, resulting in widespread destruction of homes alongside the tragic loss of lives.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of devastation and terror as the assailants swept through the villages, setting ablaze houses and slaughtering innocent civilians. Miriam Silas, a resident of Karim Lamido, described the harrowing experience in a message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News, saying, “My people in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, who are mostly Christians, have been attacked by Fulani herdsmen. Our houses have been burnt, and more than 42 Christians have been killed.” The attack has forced hundreds of survivors to flee, leaving the once peaceful communities in complete ruins and despair.

In response, Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu condemned the attacks in strong terms, labeling them a “direct assault on the peace-loving people of the area” and describing the violence as “horrendous and unacceptable.” Emphasizing the government’s commitment to justice, Governor Agbu assured citizens that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted under the law. “The safety of our citizens is my highest priority,” he affirmed through a statement issued by his spokesman, Emmanuel Bello. “We have activated all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Residents of the affected areas sent urgent and heart-wrenching messages appealing for help and prayers. Obadiah Abbawa described the incident as a “devastating attack by herdsmen on three communities that claimed the lives of 42 Christians and forced hundreds to abandon their homes.” Another resident, Zion Chaffi, implored, “Karim Lamido area is being attacked by Fulani herdsmen. Please pray for God’s intervention for us.”

The Fulani, a large ethnic group spread across Nigeria and much of the Sahel region, number in the millions and are predominantly Muslim. They consist of hundreds of clans with diverse traditions and beliefs, most of whom live peaceful lives primarily as pastoralists and cattle herders. However, it is important to note that while many Fulani do not hold extremist views, a faction has become increasingly radicalized over recent years. A 2020 report by the United Kingdom’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) highlighted that certain Fulani militants have adopted violent tactics akin to extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). The report emphasized their clear intent to target Christian communities and symbolic Christian landmarks, thereby fueling intercommunal tensions and sectarian violence.

This tragic event in Taraba State is unfortunately part of a broader and complex pattern of ethno-religious violence that has plagued Nigeria for decades. Conflicts between nomadic Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farming communities have escalated in many parts of Nigeria due to factors such as land disputes, climate change-induced resource scarcity, and political instability. These clashes have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, straining Nigeria’s social fabric and security apparatus.

International human rights organizations and Nigerian civil society groups have repeatedly called for urgent government intervention to address the root causes of this violence, including ensuring effective law enforcement, promoting dialogue between communities, and addressing economic and environmental pressures. The latest attacks underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed in Nigeria’s volatile northeast region.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)