At least 200 people have been killed and 6,500 displaced following attacks by gunmen on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Benue State.
Many fear the death toll could rise above 300 as more bodies are recovered from the ashes of hundreds of burned out homes or from the bush, where villagers fled for their lives.
Militant Fulani Islamists are believed to have carried out the attacks, centered on the communities of Yelewata and Daudu in Guma Local Government Area, a region that has seen a surge in violence in recent weeks.
The onslaught began late on June 13 and raged until the early hours of the following day.
“It was like a war,” said village elder Amos. “In my 57 years on earth, I’ve never witnessed this. I escaped with my third son. My wife and other children were not so lucky. My world ended that Friday night.”
Another survivor, Tsegba Lucy, lost her mother and five siblings after their home was set ablaze by the gunmen. “My beloved mum and beautiful sisters,” she cried. “Go well till we meet again. I love you, but God loves you more.”
Many of those killed had been sheltering in the communities having previously been displaced by anti-Christian violence elsewhere in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Of the 6,500 people displaced in the latest attacks, more than half are “in urgent need of food, non-food items, water and essential medical supplies,” said a statement from the National Emergency Management Agency.
The Federal Government described the attacks as “mindless barbarism.” Spokesman George Akume said, “That over 200 human lives could be wiped out in such a cruel and calculated manner is an affront to our shared humanity.”
How you can pray
Ask our Heavenly Father to comfort Amos, Tsegba Lucy and the many others who grieve. Pray for healing for the injured and that the needs of the displaced will be met. Ask the Lord to protect Christians and all those at risk of violence and pray that they will know peace.
