NIGERIA: AT LEAST 70 KILLED IN ATTACKS OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

At least 70 people have been killed and several abducted in a series of devastating attacks in Nigeria over Christmas and New Year, with Christians among those targeted. 

On 29 December, 14 people were killed when Islamist militants targeted the communities of Zah, Mubang Yadul and Kiking, located in a predominantly Christian region in Adamawa State. Shops and properties were burned during the onslaught.  

“This is not the first attack, not even the second,” a community membersaid. “It has been persistent, year after year, without those responsible being brought to justice.” 

On 30 December, two priests were badly wounded when bandits attacked the parish house of St Rita Catholic Church in Mararaba village, Nasarawa State. The priests were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.  

‘THERE WAS NEVER A DISPUTE’ 

On New Year’s Eve, at least nine people were killed by Fulani militants in Bum, a Christian village in Plateau State. Several more were wounded. 

“My father, brother and one of my sons were murdered when these Fulani knocked on our door,” said a villager. “They also went to my uncle’s house and killed five people, and they also killed one person in another house.”  

“We have never had a problem with them [the Fulani],” the villager continued. “They come in to graze their cattle from neighbouring villages and we allow them. There has never been a dispute between us.” 

A few days later, on 2 January, at least seven people were killed by suspected Fulani bandits in Bong village, also in Plateau State. The attackers carried out a ‘house-to-house operation, targeting women, children and elderly residents’, reports say. It’s unknown whether any of those killed were Christians.    

And on 4 January, gunmen killed at least 40 people and abducted several more, including children, when they attacked the villages of Demo, Chukama and Shanga in Niger State. Christians and Muslims are among the victims. It’s unclear which group, if any, the gunmen are affiliated to.  

Death, destruction and displacement 

“The insecurity across northern Nigeria generally and its impact on the Church more specifically remain deeply concerning,” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors spokesperson for work in sub-Saharan Africa.  

“We’ve entered a new year and many Christians in northern Nigeria are hoping and praying that they have left the worst behind them. Their hope is that the situation will improve and that it won’t be another year marked by bloodshed – please join us in praying with them.”