Thousands of residents fled from their homes after suspected Islamist gunmen attacked the Aye-Twar community on Sunday 10 August in predominantly Christian Benue State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The church building in Aye-Twar (Agu Centre) in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) was ruined with numerous fittings and furnishings destroyed. Two nearby vehicles were burned out.
“At the moment, the entire Agu Centre community has been deserted by the locals for fear of more attacks,” said leading church minister Samuel Fila. “It must be reiterated that Aye-Twar is only one out of innumerable communities that are currently under a sustained invasion by dangerously armed terrorists.” He also denounced the lack of intervention by government or security agencies.
“The continuous attacks on Christian communities, albeit unprovoked and in particular the unchecked violence of these terrorist herdsmen, have become a grave wound to our national conscience and existence,” Fila continued.
The incident follows two months after at least 200 people were killed and 6,500 displaced following attacks by gunmen on Christian communities in Benue State in June.
The community in Aye Twar was also the scene of murder when the church minister and three other Christians were killed by gunmen in an attack on a church in the village on 30 March 2021.
Also in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, three people were confirmed dead following an attack at around 7.30am on 13 August on Gwon village in Rim community of Riyom LGA, Plateau State, by suspected Fulani Islamists.
The deceased were identified as Stephen Maigadi (57), Josiah Dachollom (32), and Davou Sunday. Four others received treatment for injuries sustained in the attack.
How you can pray
Pray for peace to be restored in the Aye-Twar community and the church buildings to be rebuilt. Pray that faith in the Lord’s plans will enable Christians to return to their homes and that they will be protected from any further attacks. Ask God to comfort those bereaved in the attack in Plateau State and bring healing to the wounded. Continue to pray for improved security throughout Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
