10/1/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Christians continue to be targeted in the Miango district of Bassa County, Plateau state, where communities have faced repeated attacks by Fulani extremists since 2016.
Fulani extremists brutally killed Usuf Peter, a local hunter, on Sept. 22 near Hukke-Renwienku. The Miango Youth Development Association (MYDA) expressed deep sorrow over his death, demanding justice and improved security measures. MYDA Publicity Secretary Nuhu Nga called on authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
Around the same time, Andrew Bala, a 38-year-old displaced farmer, was allegedly tortured to death by a Nigerian Army officer. “This tragic event occurred just two weeks ago, following another incident where a displaced farmer, Chayi Sunday, aged 50, suffered severe injuries from torture at the hands of the same army official,” Musa Wayi, a national leader of the Irigwe Development Association, told an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer following Bala’s funeral on Sept. 28.
During the funeral, a pastor of the Church of Christ in All Nations (COCIN) in Miango emphasized that Christians should not lose hope in Jesus despite the ongoing persecution. Additionally, a call was made to the Nigerian army to assist Bala’s widow, who is left with two children, one of whom is seriously ill.
In Bokkos County, just 54 miles from Miango, another violent attack by Fulani extremists resulted in the tragic loss of at least six lives in the village of Mbar. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as heavily armed attackers descended on the village without warning. Local authorities are still confirming the exact number of casualties. Security agencies have been mobilized, and investigations are underway to bring those responsible to justice.
Despite the ongoing violence, community leaders and residents remain resilient, calling for peace and urging the government to take swift action to prevent further violence in the region. However, there is a palpable fear among Christian leaders in Nigeria, who often face arrest or assassination when speaking out against the persecution of Christians by extremist groups.
The challenges faced by these communities are compounded by the larger context of attacks by Fulani extremists, Boko Haram, and other Islamic terrorist organizations, creating a dangerous environment for Christians in Nigeria to live and worship freely.
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