Violence Against Christians in Nigeria: Village Head Found Dead After Kidnapping

A village head, Yuda Garba, was found dead after being kidnapped in Nigeria along with seven others. The incident highlights the ongoing violence against Christians in the region, attributed largely to suspected Fulani herdsmen. Increased abductions and attacks illustrate a dire situation for Christian communities, as Nigeria ranks among the most dangerous places for Christians worldwide.

On March 17, 2025, Yuda Garba, the village head of Dnako in Nigeria’s Bwari Area Council, was found dead following his kidnapping on March 11 by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Villagers discovered his body in the Nomadic Forest near Kuyeri. Relatives identified the remains, and security forces are working to locate other kidnapped individuals, including Garba’s grandchildren and additional community members abducted the same night.

The kidnapping occurred when a group of armed men entered the village at midnight, forcibly taking residents from their homes while they slept. Villager Tanko Baba confirmed that among those kidnapped was his cousin, Nicholas. Authorities, including Josephine Adeh from the Abuja Police Command, have ramped up their efforts to recover the victims.

Additionally, in Kaduna state, Ishaya Kukah, brother of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, was abducted on March 5 alongside six other Christians. Samuel Kukah reported that they were taken at gunpoint while they were sleeping. The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident and is working to rescue the victims.

The Fulani community, numbering in the millions in Nigeria, comprises various clans, some of which adopt radical Islamist ideologies, leading to targeted violence against Christians in the region. Reports indicate that attacks are motivated by an agenda to seize land from Christians amid environmental challenges affecting pasture availability for their herds.

According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, Nigeria is ranked among the most dangerous nations for Christians. The report found that of the 4,476 Christians killed globally for their faith, 3,100 (69 percent) were in Nigeria, reflecting a disturbing trend of escalating violence against Christian communities. The situation has further deteriorated, with jihadist groups active in northern states and emerging threats from new terrorist entities in the south.

Nigeria’s high ranking on the list signifies a pressing need for intervention and support for persecuted Christian communities. Those wishing to assist can visit resources provided by Morning Star News and consider involvement in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about this ongoing crisis.

In conclusion, the alarming incidents of kidnappings and violence against Christians in Nigeria continue to rise, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis facing these communities. With the death of Yuda Garba and the ongoing threats posed by armed groups, it is evident that targeted violence against Christians remains a significant concern. The statistics indicating Nigeria as the most dangerous country for Christians reinforce the necessity for global awareness, intervention, and support for those affected by this persecution.

Original Source: morningstarnews.org