Nigeria: Six Christians killed and dozens injured in attacks on two Christian villages, reportedly carried out by Islamist militants

Image: Jihad Watch

ABUJA, Nigeria (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – On Saturday and Sunday (May 3-4), Fulani herdsmen killed six Christians and injured several others in attacks on two Christian villages in Plateau state, Nigeria.

In Barkin Ladi County, the herdsmen targeted the largely Christian villages of NTV and Kakuruk, according to Bature Iliya Adazaram, a youth leader from the affected communities.

“We are deeply saddened by another night of tragic armed assaults carried out by suspected Fulani militants, who stealthily entered Kakuruk village in Gashish District, Barkin Ladi LGA, and opened fire, killing three Christians and injuring four others at 8:11 p.m. on May 4,” Adazaram stated in a press release. “This follows an earlier attack on May 3 in NTV village, where three Christians were ambushed and killed.”

Adazaram identified the three victims as Nyam Davou, 44, Kande Thomas, 40, and Thomas’s 6-month-old daughter. Those injured include Abigail Nyam, 7; Helen Ishaya, 45; Mafeng Markus, 29; and Sarah Markus, 40.

The injured individuals are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Barkin Ladi.

Adazaram noted that attacks have intensified in the region as herdsmen aim to seize land and Islamic extremists push to establish a caliphate in Nigeria.

“We firmly believe that these Fulani militants are renewing their attacks not only on Christians in our communities but also in other parts of Plateau state and beyond. This is part of their strategy to drive out Christian communities who oppose land seizures and the expansionist goals of Muslim militants,” Adazaram said. “It is important to acknowledge the ongoing horrific acts of armed banditry and terrorist attacks against Christians.”

He also pointed out that government officials often disregard early warnings and intelligence from Christians regarding the movement of Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists before such attacks occur.

“This lack of action has allowed our attackers to exploit the inadequacy of security forces, leading to the continued invasion of vulnerable Christian areas,” Adazaram explained. “The killing spree by these Fulani herdsmen and bandits has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Christians, including women and children.”

Since 2018, Fulani herdsmen and "armed Muslim bandits" have consistently attacked Christian communities in the area.

“For example, on Christmas Eve in 2023, more than 230 Christians were killed by these Muslim Fulani herdsmen and bandits,” Adazaram added. “Similarly, dozens of Christians were killed in these areas on August 23, 2018.”

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)