Nigeria: Nighttime Islamist Attacks on Christian Villages Leave Ten Dead

Image: Jihad Watch

A fresh wave of violence attributed to Fulani herdsmen has left at least 10 Christians dead in eastern Nigeria, following coordinated overnight attacks on multiple villages in Taraba State, according to local sources.

The assaults occurred late Saturday night, January 10, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, targeting the predominantly Christian communities of Iornem, Kyahar, Uhula, and Samgambe in Donga County. Residents reported that armed attackers stormed the villages, killing civilians and setting homes ablaze, forcing survivors to flee in fear.

Orlaer William, a resident of the affected area, confirmed the killings and described the situation as dire. Speaking to Christian Daily International–Morning Star News, he said the Fulani militias launched violent raids across the communities within Donga Local Government Area, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

“Ten Christians have been killed, this I can confirm,” William said. “The Fulani militias are still carrying out further attacks on nearby Christian villages even as I send this message on Sunday morning.”

The cluster of targeted villages lies approximately eight kilometers (five miles) from Donga town, underscoring the proximity of the violence to populated areas. Despite the severity of the attacks, residents say no security forces had intervened at the time of reporting.

“There has been no response from the security services so far,” William added. “The Christian victims have been left completely defenseless, at the mercy of God.”

Other local residents corroborated the account. Kpeibee Twin confirmed that the attacks took place, while Mercy Emmanuel expressed anguish and despair over the continuing violence in the region.

“When are we going to have peace in Taraba State?” Emmanuel asked in a message to Christian Daily International–Morning Star News. “Oh God, have mercy on us.”

The latest killings add to growing concerns over persistent attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where residents say they are increasingly vulnerable due to the absence of effective security protection.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)