Fulani Herdsmen Attack in Nigeria Leaves Several Christians Dead

On March 10, Fulani herdsmen killed at least six Christians in Farin Dutse village, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, following the stabbing of a farmer the previous day. Local police confirmed the deaths and injuries, leading to increased patrolling in the area. The ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria is linked to radical ideologies and land disputes, marking the country as one of the most dangerous places for Christians globally.

On March 10, Fulani herdsmen attacked the predominantly Christian Farin Dutse village in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least six villagers. The violence followed the stabbing of a Christian farmer the previous day, who had protested against the herdsmen grazing their cattle on his property. Local resident Esau Ezekiel recounted, “Many Christian villagers have been killed, six corpses have so far been recovered, and many houses set ablaze…” during the attack, which occurred while residents were sleeping.

The attack initiated at around 3 a.m., with herdsmen leading the assault in retaliation for the farmer’s objection. The victims have been identified as Friday Danladi, Simeon Madaki, Ayawu Senior, Sunday Wa’azu, Vincent Sunday, Taimako Senior, and Filibus Jatau. Those injured included Samaniya Wa’azu, Vincent Ezekiel, and Johnson Maikasuwa. The Nasarawa State Police confirmed these details and ensured medical treatment for the injured.

Ramhan Nansel, spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police, stated that several properties were vandalized during the incident and that police and military personnel have been deployed to restore order. The history of conflict between Fulani herdsmen and Christian farmers in Nigeria is deeply rooted in land disputes and growing tensions exacerbated by desertification and resource scarcity.

According to a 2020 report by the United Kingdom’s All-Party Parliamentary Group, some members of the Fulani community have adopted radical Islamist ideologies, leading them to target Christian populations and symbols. Christian leaders argue that these attacks are aimed at seizing land and imposing Islam amid mounting pressures on the herdsmen’s traditional grazing routes due to climate change conditions.

The ongoing violence places Nigeria as one of the most perilous locations for Christians, with the Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List noting that 69 percent of global Christian fatalities occur in Nigeria. The report indicates an increase in attacks, particularly in the North-Central region, where Islamic extremist groups systematically target farming communities. The extremist group Lakurawa has also surfaced as a new threat, equipped with modern weaponry and linked to broader jihadist movements.

In conclusion, the violent attack by Fulani herdsmen on Christian villagers in Nasarawa state highlights the severe risks faced by Christian communities in Nigeria. The cycle of violence is fueled by territorial disputes, religious extremism, and a lack of effective government intervention. The situation in Nigeria represents a disturbing trend of religious persecution, leading to significant loss of life and displacement within vulnerable populations. Comprehensive solutions must be pursued to address this escalating crisis and ensure security for all citizens.

Original Source: www.christiandaily.com