Despite efforts to raise awareness and halt the persistent violence against Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, attacks by extremist groups continue unabated.
This past week, several rural Christian communities suffered severe assaults by Islamic extremists. But there has also been some positive news as well.
Targeted in Plateau State
In Plateau state, located in North Central Nigeria, International Christian Concern (ICC) staff documented brutal attacks by Fulani extremists. These assaults resulted in the deaths of 11 Christian farmers in Bassa, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi counties.
The violence started Sunday night in Maiyanga village, Bassa county, where three people were killed. Another three were slain in a separate attack on Monday in the same village. A community leader in Maiyanga highlighted the ongoing threat, stating, “Yes, Fulani continue to kill us.”
Following the burial of the victims in a mass grave, the community leader expressed deep concerns about the intent behind these attacks. He warned that the extremists aim to “wipe us out from our land” and establish an Islamic caliphate.
In Bokkos county, seven Christians, including a police officer, were killed. The officer was attempting to arrest a Fulani leader suspected of orchestrating a previous attack in Dafo village that resulted in six deaths before he was killed with a machete.
In Barkin Ladi county, Fulani extremists killed one person in Foron village and set many houses ablaze. They have since continued to graze their cattle, destroying farmland. Similar incidents have been reported in Irigwe communities in Bassa county. A Christian leader warned that more Christians would die of hunger as Fulani extremists destroy crops. He pleaded for assistance to prevent starvation among the affected communities.
Boko Haram Captives Rescued
The Nigerian Army recently conducted a successful rescue operation, freeing 277 people from Boko Haram captivity in Bama, Dikwa, and Monguno counties of Borno state. These individuals, including 128 women and 149 children, have been handed over to Borno state officials. Major General K.E. Chigbu, deputy theatre commander of “Operation Hadin Kai,” oversaw the handover ceremony.
The Borno state government is committed to supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of those rescued. Hajiya Aishatu Shettima from the Ministry of Women Affairs has promised medical care, psychological counseling, and assistance for their smooth reintegration into their communities.
Efforts continue to bring hope to the families of those still missing. Ishaku Gali, whose daughter was abducted in December 2019 in Chibok county, remains hopeful for her return. Survivors have informed him that his daughter is still with Boko Haram terrorists, along with others like Leah Sharibu. The Commissioner of Women Affairs in Borno state emphasized the continuous efforts to ensure that the missing are not forgotten and will be reunited with their families soon. In May, the military rescued 350 hostages from Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
