Twelve residents have been killed in an attack by suspected Fulani Islamists on a Christian community in Plateau State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt on 18 August.
Community leader Simon Takbang reported that more than 1,000 assailants attacked several villages in Chakfem Chiefdom, Mangu Local Government Area (LGA), resulting in the displacement of more than 1,000 residents in this predominantly Christian area.
“They set houses ablaze, destroyed properties, rustled animals, and killed 12 people, including women and children,” Takbang said.
The victims included a four-month-old girl, Yilshwal Godwin, Takbang announced.
He identified seven others killed in the attack, including three women: Rifkatu Katde (80), Talatu Joel (53) and Tapmwan Benard (29). Four men killed were named as Danlami Kyenba (50), Maichibi Sonyen (81), Ishaku Yohana (26) and Joel Longpwen (62).
“The victims are now recorded in history as martyrs of Chakfem Chiefdom,” Takbang said.
“We call on the government to deploy security personnel permanently in our communities and provide support for rebuilding our destroyed villages,” Takbang urged, demanding that the government act immediately to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The attack follows one month after 27 Christians were killed by suspected Fulani Islamists in Riyom LGA, also in Plateau State, on 15 July. Mangu LGA was also the scene of the killing of Christians in April 2024.
How you can pray
Pray that the appeals for greater security and protection for these vulnerable Christian communities will not go unheeded. Pray that those bereaved will be comforted and know that the Lord has not abandoned them even as they grieve. Pray that the perpetrators of these horrendous attacks will be identified and brought to justice.
