Fulani Herdsmen Attack Christian Villagers in Nigeria, Leaving Death and Destruction

On March 10, 2025, Fulani herdsmen attacked the Christian village of Farin Dutse, killing at least six individuals after previously stabbing a farmer for defending his land. The violence highlighted ongoing persecution, with Nigeria ranked among the most dangerous countries for Christians globally, as per the 2025 World Watch List. The situation demands immediate attention and action to protect vulnerable communities.

On March 10, 2025, Fulani herdsmen attacked the predominantly Christian village of Farin Dutse in Nasarawa state, Nigeria, resulting in the death of at least six villagers. This incident followed the stabbing of a Christian farmer the previous day for challenging the herdsman’s cattle grazing on his land, as reported by local resident Esau Ezekiel. The brutal invasion, which occurred early in the morning while residents were asleep, also involved the destruction of homes.

The names of the fatalities have been confirmed by the Nasarawa State Police, identifying the victims as Friday Danladi, Simeon Madaki, Ayawu Senior, Sunday Wa’azu, Vincent Sunday, Taimako Senior, and Filibus Jatau. Injuries were sustained by three individuals: Samaniya Wa’azu, Vincent Ezekiel, and Johnson Maikasuwa. Additionally, property destruction included homes, shops, vehicles, and other possessions during the raid.

The United Kingdom’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief has noted that although most Fulani individuals are not extremist, some possess radical Islamist ideologies. This has led to a targeting strategy against Christians similar to that of Boko Haram and ISWAP, emphasizing a land takeover and the imposition of Islam amid environmental challenges exacerbating grazing conditions for these herdsmen.

Conditions for Christians in Nigeria remain perilous, with the 2025 World Watch List indicating Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places for believers. A staggering 69 percent of the global deaths of Christians due to persecution occurred in Nigeria, as recorded by the report. Violence predominantly affects the North-Central region, where extremist groups frequently attack farming communities, with numerous Christians among the casualties.

Additionally, the spread of violence has included southern regions, where even newer jihadist groups, such as Lakurawa, threaten stability with advanced weaponry and a commitment to radical Islamist objectives. Nigeria is ranked seventh on the 2025 World Watch List for the persecution of Christians, underscoring the severity of the crisis faced by Christian communities in the region.

The recent attacks in Nigeria underscore the ongoing crisis facing Christian communities, with Fulani herdsmen targeting innocent villagers. Despite the complexities of motivations behind these attacks, the death toll remains alarmingly high. Christian leaders emphasize the need for greater awareness and intervention as Nigeria continues to rank among the most dangerous countries for Christians globally. It is imperative to recognize and act upon this urgent humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: morningstarnews.org