Seventeen people were killed as suspected Islamists struck Christian-majority communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt on October 31.
Gunmen attacked the village of Kwi in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, and the village Damakasuwa across the border in southern Kaduna State.
The attackers are believed to be from the Islamist militia made up of extremists from the Muslim-majority Fulani ethnic group.
Ronku Aka, center, traditional leader of the Irigwe people and a retired pastor, pictured visiting the scene of a terrorist attack in 2022. In August 2025 he raised concerns about persistent violent attacks against Irigwe communities. [Image credit: Africa DEZE]
The affected communities are part of the Irigwe people, an ethnic group in Nigeria’s Middle Belt with a sizeable Christian population.
In Kwi, a mother and two children were among the dead. The village borders Barkin Ladi LGA, where 13 were killed by Islamists just a few weeks ago.
Also murdered in Damakasuwa was Bala Rudeh, a community leader.
“The assailants appeared to be targeting … Bala,” said Ezekiel Isa, a Damakasuwa resident, “who they resented for denouncing the Fulani militias’ repeated attacks.”
“Bala was always the first to respond when there was an alert of an impending attack,” said another resident, Simon Ayuba. “He used to organize local youths to guard the village. Losing him has shaken everyone.”
In August the traditional ruler of the Irigwe Chiefdom, His Royal Highness Ronku Aka, himself a retired pastor, raised concerns about repeated attacks against the community in a meeting with Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina.
How You Can Pray
Ask the Lord to comfort the affected communities with His peace and grace. Pray for an end to the campaign of violence being waged against Christian communities. Ask that there will be peace for all people in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
