Fulani Herdsmen Attack Claim Lives of Christians in Nigeria

On March 10, Fulani herdsmen attacked a Christian village in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. This followed the murder of a farmer who challenged them for grazing on his land. The violence emphasizes the severe risks faced by Christians in Nigeria, and raises broader concerns of rising extremist activities in the region.

On March 10, in central Nigeria’s Nasarawa State, Fulani herdsmen killed six Christian villagers in an attack. This incident followed the murder of a Christian farmer the previous day, who confronted herdsmen for allowing cattle to graze on his property. Eyewitness Esau Ezekiel reported that the assailants set homes ablaze during the pre-dawn attack while the residents were asleep.

The farmers had been at church when a herdsman led cattle onto their land. When the farmer asked him to leave, the assailant responded violently, resulting in the farmer’s death. The slain villagers included Friday Danladi, Simeon Madaki, Ayawu Senior, Sunday Wa’azu, Vincent Sunday, Taimako Senior, and Filibus Jatau. Several other Christians sustained injuries during the attack.

The local police verified the number of casualties and indicated wounded individuals were receiving treatment. Police spokesman Ramhan Nansel stated that the attack also involved significant property damage, including vandalized homes and vehicles. In response, authorities have increased police and military presence in the area to restore order.

The Fulani herders, predominantly Muslim, are a complex group with many clans, only some of which adhere to extremist ideologies. A 2020 report from the United Kingdom’s APPG noted that some of these groups have targeted Christians and Christian symbols, resembling the methods of Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Christian leaders in Nigeria believe these attacks are driven by an agenda to seize Christian lands, exacerbated by desertification that challenges traditional herding practices. Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List identifies Nigeria as one of the most perilous places for Christians globally, with approximately 69% of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide reported in Nigeria during the designated period.

The North-Central region of Nigeria is also severely impacted by violence from Islamic extremist groups, as Christians become prime targets. Recent years have seen a rise in abductions for ransom along with an emergence of new jihadist factions like Lakurawa in the northwest, which raises concerns for Christian communities. Nigeria ranks seventh in the 2025 WWL, highlighting the gravity of the situation for Christians in the nation.

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In summary, the tragic event on March 10 in Nasarawa State underscores the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria. The attacks reveal a pattern of aggression aimed at displacing Christian communities and raising awareness of the dire circumstances faced by these individuals. As the situation worsens, international support for affected communities becomes increasingly vital.

Original Source: morningstarnews.org