Ongoing murderous attacks on Christians by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – In ongoing vicious attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen against Christian communities in Nigeria, two more people were killed and two others were kidnapped on April 22-23, Morningstar News reports. The herdsmen also burned down 25 homes and a church building in the raids.

Referring to the attacks as part of a continuing onslaught, spokesman for the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) Luka Binniyat said in a press statement: “This and many other savageries on our communities in recent times affirm the fear that, for our vulnerable communities, the danger posed to our existence and well-being by the coronavirus pandemic is less grim than the perennial murderous acts of armed herdsmen.”

Binniyat said the April 22 attack on Atang village in Jema’a County started with gunshots at about 10 p.m. “After the pandemonium, it was discovered that the invaders had kidnapped Mr. Emmanuel Iliya, son of the chief of Godogodo chiefdom. Emmanuel, 47, is married with two children.” Binniyat added that the kidnappers have demanded 30 million nairas (US$76,565) in ransom.

In attacks on April 23, Fulani herdsmen invaded Kujeni village in Kajuru County, killing Geoffrey Zakka, 25, Binniyat said. “One woman and a child were injured, and more than 25 houses burnt down. The ECWA [Evangelical Church Winning All] church in the town and its pastorium were also razed down completely.” That same day village, herdsmen killed 42-year-old Thomas Micah on his farm in Kajuru County’s Makyali. Micah is survived by his wife and seven children, Binniyat stated.

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) issued a genocide warning for Nigeria on 30 January. CSI has called on the UN Security Council to take action against “a rising tide of violence directed against Nigerian Christians and others classified as ‘infidels’ by Islamist militants in the country’s north and middle belt regions.” Nigeria ranks second after Pakistan on Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List of countries where Christians are killed for their faith.

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