A three-year-old boy was among at least 12 Christian residents killed by suspected Fulani Islamists in attacks on farming communities in Benue State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Nine Christians were killed in Tse-Biliji, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), on 9 October, after three others were killed in Omulonye, Otukpo LGA on 7 October.
Benue State’s population is 98% Christian.
Benue residents called for action to tackle ongoing violence in mid-2025 [Image credit: Ripples Nigeria]
The three-year-old was the son of a security guard in Omulonye, known as Mr Friday.
“I was with my family at home, preparing to join other local security guards, when I heard sporadic gunshots from all angles,” Friday said. “I saw more than 15 heavily armed men moving from house to house and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ while macheting our people.”
He added that his wife was among several people left injured.
Local humanitarian worker Meddy Olotu questioned, “What was their crime? Nothing. What was the crime of this little child? Nothing.”
Eyewitnesses reported a similar attack in Tse-Biliji two days later, describing around 30 heavily armed Fulani arriving on motorcycles, moving from house to house, and attacking residents with machetes.
“I heard them speaking Fulfulde and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ as they attacked our people,” reported eyewitness Oraduen Andy.
Fulfulde (also known as Fulani) is not an indigenous language of Benue State.
Benue is one of the Nigerian states most severely affected by Islamist terrorism and violence in general. In August this year, four Christians were killed and 12 others seriously injured as Islamist gunmen stormed a community in Guma LGA.
How you can pray
Lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters in Benue State as they mourn the loss of family, neighbours and friends. Pray that the Lord’s comfort and strength will sustain those bereaved and the wider community, and for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray for abundant wisdom for church leaders as they seek to counsel and comfort those affected. Ask that the authorities will be able to identify the perpetrators, bring them to justice, and establish tighter security across Benue State.
