Source: www.persecution.org
Date: August 26, 2024
Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Christian communities in three Nigerian states suffered significant attacks in recent weeks at the hands of Islamic Fulani extremists.
In Kaduna state, the violence reached Christian communities in Ikara and Kabau counties. On Aug. 14, Islamic extremists attacked Angwan Tube in Kurmin Kogo ward, Ikara county, abducting two Christians and injuring one. The next evening, the Dogon Fako community in the same ward experienced a similar assault, with two additional abductions, including Reverend Bitrus Inusa of the Anglican Communion.
The violence extended to the Kabau local government area, where two weeks ago, extremists targeted Unguwar Galadima Toka in Kargi ward, kidnapping a pastor and another community member. Although the pastor was released after a ransom payment, the violence continued with a subsequent attack on Kwankwarmin Gedage on Aug. 17, resulting in the abduction of another pastor and two others.
The situation remains dire in the Southeast as well. On Aug. 15, Islamic Fulani extremists abducted five Christian students from Enugu State College of Health Technology in the Oji River local government area. This incident coincided with a Fulani extremist attack where 20 medical and dental students from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri on the Otukpo-Enugu road were kidnapped.
Ben Bini, a Christian leader in Kaduna City, shared his concerns about the recent attacks with International Christian Concern (ICC), highlighting a disturbing trend of targeted violence against Christian clergy and communities. He urged the Nigerian government to take decisive action to rescue the kidnapped individuals and prevent further attacks.
In addition to the targeted violence against Christian communities, Rigwe farmers in Miango, Bassa county in Plateau state, face ongoing threats that jeopardize their agricultural livelihoods. On July 23, Fulani extremists ravaged a farm in Miango, destroying corn and soybean crops. A month later, on Aug. 23, the same farm was again attacked, resulting in the complete loss of crops.
Such attacks, which have persisted during the past five years, reflect a broader crisis affecting Rigwe farmers. Calls for peace from Fulani and Rigwe chiefs, as well as the Peace Implementation Committee, and efforts to curb the violence have not had an influence.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for comfort for all those who lost loved ones or have been injured by the violence in Nigeria. Pray for Fulani militants across Nigeria to come to know Christ and for peace efforts to be successful.