Islamist terrorists have killed at least six people in attacks on a Christian community in Benue State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The killings happened on Sunday 11 January and Tuesday 13 January in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA). The population of Benue State is around 95% Christian.
Among the dead was a retired Nigerian Army Warrant Officer who was reportedly killed in the community of Asa 2 on Sunday.
Ochi Ugbabe was among five killed in attacks on 13 January [Image credit: Premium Times]
Tuesday’s attack took place in Otobi Akba. The victims were identified as Ochi Ugbabe (a former councillor), Achibi Onah, Eje Eba and Sunday Iruja, while the fifth victim was yet to be identified.
The gunmen were reported to be Fulani extremists.
Residents confirmed that the terrorists invaded the community at around 1.30am. Volunteers who had maintained surveillance since the Sunday incident had just stood down to rest.
According to these witnesses, the gunmen opened fire on residents gathered near a transformer junction, and looted food items from a store before fleeing into a nearby forest.
Egaji Ejembi, one of the community’s youth leaders, questioned the authorities’ resolve to end what Nigerian church leaders have called a “genocide” being carried out against Christians in areas such as Benue State.
“Otobi Akpa community is one hundred percent a Christian settlement,” he affirmed.
“We are not at war with any of our neighbouring communities,” he continued, “so what else could propel any reasonable person to invade a peaceful community like Otobi and kill people, if not Islamist extremists who are out to unleash terror with the aim of wiping out the community in order to occupy our land?”
How you can pray
Pray for those bereaved by these attacks in Benue State, that they will know the Lord’s comfort and strength even in the midst of their suffering. Pray for greater protection for Christian communities that are threatened, and that security will be tightened and perpetrators brought to justice and repentance.
