Fulani Herdsmen Kill 42 Christians in Nigeria

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Fulani herdsmen killed at least 42 Christians in coordinated attacks on three villages in Taraba state, northeast Nigeria, in the early hours of Saturday, May 24, according to Morning Star News.

The targeted villages—Munga Dosso, Munga Lelau, and Bandawa in Karim Lamido County—were left in ruins as homes were burned and residents slaughtered. “More than 42 Christians killed… our houses have been burnt,” said local resident Miriam Silas.

Taraba Governor Kefas Agbu condemned the attack as “horrendous and unacceptable,” promising to bring the attackers to justice. Police have since been deployed to the area.

Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, a Christian leader in the region, said the attacks brought “untold pain and disruption.” Hundreds of survivors have reportedly fled.

Though not all Fulani are extremists, a 2020 UK report cited by Morning Star News notes that some Fulani militants adopt jihadist strategies, intentionally targeting Christian communities.

​In the 2025 Open Doors World Watch List, Nigeria is ranked 7th among the countries where Christians face the most severe persecution.

Despite intense persecution, the gospel continues to advance in Nigeria. Over the last twenty years, Christianity has grown steadily—from around 40% of the population in 2001 to nearly 50% today. In raw numbers, the Christian population has risen from an estimated 60 million in 2000 to about 96 million in 2020, with projections pointing to over 155 million by 2050.

Latest Worthy News