Tragic Death of Village Head Highlights Ongoing Violence Against Christians in Nigeria

Yuda Garba, a village head in central Nigeria, was found dead after being kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen. This incident occurred on March 11, highlighting the ongoing violence faced by Christian communities. Kidnappings have surged in the region, affecting numerous individuals, including religious leaders. Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, with a critical humanitarian situation that requires immediate action.

On March 17, Yuda Garba, the village head of predominantly Christian Dnako village in Bwari Area Council, was discovered deceased following his kidnapping on March 11 by suspected Fulani herdsmen. His body was located in the Nomadic Forest near Kuyeri, in the Kagarko Local Government Area, adjacent to the border of Kaduna state. Local villagers confirmed the identity of the remains, leading authorities to intensify efforts to rescue other abducted individuals.

Alongside Garba were his grandchildren, Ephraim and Philemon, another Christian known only as Nicholas, and four other villagers. A group of armed herdsmen attacked the village at midnight, forcibly seizing the victims from their homes as they slept. Tanko Baba, a village resident, recounted the horrifying events, highlighting the targeting of Christians by the assailants.

The Abuja Federal Capital Territory Police Command has been informed, with personnel deployed in pursuit of the abductors. Josephine Adeh, the police spokesperson, assured that search efforts were in progress in hopes of rescuing the victims. In a related incident, on January 26 in Chikakore, Kubwa, four individuals were abducted by suspected herdsmen, further marking a rising trend of kidnappings in the region.

In Kaduna state, attacks have also targeted religious leaders, including the brother of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, who was kidnapped alongside six other Christians on March 5. Another brother spoke out about the violent abduction, which occurred while they slept. Police confirmed the incident and are making efforts to recover the victims from these perilous circumstances.

The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief highlighted that while the broader Fulani community does not generally espouse extremist views, some factions share radical Islamist ideologies. These groups have shown a propensity for violence against Christians and their communities, specifically in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with the intention of seizing land and imposing their beliefs.

According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, Nigeria is one of the most hazardous countries for Christians, with a staggering 3,100 out of 4,476 Christians globally killed for their faith occurring within its borders. The situation is critical, as violence from Islamic extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, continues to escalate, leading to attacks and abductions of Christians both in northern and southern states.

Emerging threats, such as the jihadist group Lakurawa in northwest Nigeria, have added to the urgency of these concerns, displaying advanced weaponry and a radical agenda in conjunction with broader Islamist movements. As such, Nigeria stands ranked seventh on the 2025 World Watch List as one of the fifty worst countries for Christians.

In summary, the tragic death of Yuda Garba amid rising violence in Nigeria underscores the peril faced by Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt. The persistence of violent abductions and attacks by Fulani herdsmen and extremist groups threatens the security of Christian communities. With escalating incidents and significant fatalities reported, Nigeria remains classified among the most dangerous nations for Christians, warranting urgent attention and intervention.

Original Source: www.christiandaily.com