A fresh attack on a Christian community in Nigeria’s Middle Belt by suspected Islamists has claimed at least 11 more lives.
It took place on 23 April in Anyiin in the Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The attack happened only days after at least 72 were killed in Easter raids in two other Christian areas of the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia warned of an attempt by Islamists to exterminate Christians in Benue State, Nigeria [Image credit: Hyacinth Iormem Alia]
“These are not random incidents,” said the state governor Hyacinth Alia, himself a former church minister. “We believe they are coordinated efforts, possibly aimed at exterminating our people.”
Wilfred Anagbe, a senior church leader in Benue, echoed the governor’s words, stating there is a systematic attempt to kill Christians and Islamise the region.
“The quest to Islamise the land is high on the agenda of some of the most powerful and influential Muslims in Nigeria,” he said.
“There is a campaign to take land to spread Islam,” he continued.
“Militant Fulani herdsmen are destroying society. They steal and vandalise. They kill and boast about it. They kidnap and rape – and they enjoy total impunity from the elected authorities.
“When they attack, they destroy churches and burn houses and schools.”
How you can pray
Ask our Heavenly Father to comfort the grieving family members of those killed in this attack, and all who have been impacted by it. Pray that Christians in Nigeria will know peace, and the attempts to Islamise the country will fail. Ask that the authorities will act to protect Christians and all those at risk of violence.
