At least 30 people have been killed in a week-long wave of attacks across Christian-majority Plateau State, Nigeria.
The latest in the ongoing violence in the state began on 5 May at 9pm when gunmen swept into Nding Susut village in Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Authority (LGA) and opened fire on residents sitting outside their homes.
Six people were killed, including four women and a nine-year-old boy from the same family.
Days later, three pregnant women were among 13 killed in Bassa LGA area by suspected Fulani militants. The attack on Ngbra Zongo village took place on 8 May.
“They came into the community around midnight and started shooting and hacking people to death,” said a resident. “They moved from one house to another attacking innocent people.”
Barkin Ladi town was the focus of a series of coordinated night-time attacks on 9 May, which claimed the lives of at least seven people, including a police officer. Several more people were injured.
“It is deeply disturbing that communities continue to come under coordinated attacks in broad daylight and at night without any swift or effective response from security operatives,” said a spokesman for local group, the Berom Youth Moulders Association.
“Residents now live in constant fear, uncertainty, and trauma while armed attackers move freely across communities unleashing terror on innocent civilians.”
Four people were killed on 12 May during a night attack on Kogot village in Jos South LGA.
The victims were named as 78-year-old Ngo Shettu Badung and her son, Danjuma Badung, 52. Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were killed as the attackers fled the village.
How you can pray
How you can pray
Pray for God’s comfort, peace and strength to surround all those who grieve. Ask Him to heal the wounded and bring safety to communities living in fear. Pray that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of the gunmen and bring them to repentance, so that they turn away from evil.
