Islamist militants have killed 25 Christians in a series of attacks in Adamawa State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The latest attack took place on 24 February when between 50 and 100 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) gunmen dressed in Nigerian military camouflage arrived simultaneously at two Christian farming villages in Madagali Local Government Area (LGA).
Eighteen believers were killed in Kirchinga; seven more in Garaha. Four further bodies were retrieved from surrounding bushes two days later.
Kirchinga village, Madagali LGA, after the attack which claimed the lives of 18 Christians [Image credit: EYN news]
This was the fifth such assault since October 2025 on Madagali, the home town of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. Among the dead was Bademi Papka, a village head and a cousin of the governor.
During the attacks homes were razed, cattle looted, and women and children abducted.
Islamic State killing Christians
Witnesses identified ISWAP as the group responsible for the killings.
“They started shooting at people sitting under a tree near the market. Many were shot dead while we scampered toward the mountains,” one survivor reported.
“It is ISWAP that normally does these attacks,” he said, adding, “The hallmark of ISWAP is to go to a community, round up Christians and kill them.”
Madagali is a particularly vulnerable, predominantly Christian enclave in Adamawa State, situated between southern Borno State and the Cameroon border. It is at the edge of Sambisa Forest, from which both ISWAP and Boko Haram have repeatedly launched operations. Madagali’s isolated location makes it an easy target to attack, as military support cannot promptly access the area to respond to an emergency.
David Idah, Director of the International Human Rights Commission, was unequivocal in recalling the pattern of previous attacks in the area.
“What we are seeing in Madagali is not random violence,” he said. “It is systematic, coordinated, and targeted at Christian farming communities who have no meaningful protection.
“Five attacks in five months represent a strategic campaign of extermination.”
How you can pray
Pray that the survivors of these attacks on Madagali will know the Lord’s comfort and strength as they mourn for loved ones now with Him in glory. Pray that those abducted will know God’s comforting presence amid their ordeal and that they will be returned to their families unharmed. Ask that practical and spiritual support will be provided to this vulnerable community and for improved security to prevent such attacks, identify perpetrators and bring them to justice and, if possible, repentance.
