A violent series of attacks by Fulani militias in Nigeria has called for urgent international attention to curb the loss of lives and bring justice to the affected Christian communities.
Quick Takes
- Over 60 Christians were killed in coordinated attacks by Fulani militias in early April 2025.
- The violence targeted seven Christian communities in Bokkos County, Plateau State.
- Attacks resulted in over 1,000 people being displaced and 383 homes destroyed.
- International Christian Concern pushes for global intervention against ongoing violence.
The Current Crisis
In early April 2025, Fulani militias executed a coordinated attack on Christian communities in Bokkos County, Plateau State, Nigeria. This brutal assault claimed over 60 lives, annihilated 383 homes, and left more than 1,000 individuals homeless. The primary targets of the violence were seven Christian communities, notably Hurti village, where over 40 Christians were killed. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has denounced these acts as genocide, emphasizing their unprovoked nature.
Amnesty International has criticized the Nigerian government for its inaction and has demanded justice for the victims. These unprovoked attacks are seen as part of a broader agenda to drive Christian farmers from their land, potentially motivated by land seizure and religious imposition. Declared genocide, Governor Mutfwang stated, “No one has given me any reason to believe that what happened was politically motivated, and if there is any such suggestion, I’ll be glad to receive the evidence.”
A Pattern of Violence
Fulani militias, primarily Muslim, hold a strong presence in Nigeria and have been responsible for numerous coordinated attacks targeting Christians. Insecurity in the Middle Belt region has amplified with the rise of these militias often carrying out violence to seize land and enforce Islam. This ongoing persecution spotlights the dangerous realities faced by Christian communities.
The violence, part of a wider pattern, has resulted in significant human and property loss. Many survivors now live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Military intervention is seen as essential to dismantling networks of these armed herdsmen and restoring peace. Christian leaders assert these violent expulsions link to a desire for control over Christian lands and the imposition of Islamic beliefs.
Call for International Assistance
Calls for international intervention are increasing as atrocities persist. Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, is among those urging global powers to take action. However, the Nigerian government’s lack of substantial action has drawn criticism. As regional instability allows Islamic militias to unleash violence freely, accountability and response remain lacking.
“Romans 13:4 states, ‘For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer,’” said Rev. Tongsmangs Dasbak, a Christian leader in Plateau state. “The federal government must exercise its authority to bring justice to the oppressed and end the reign of terror in Plateau state.”
The urgency for action is driven by the desire to protect vulnerable communities and restore human rights. With entities like Amnesty International stepping in, and new jihadist groups emerging, international eyes must turn toward Nigeria. A robust global intervention could provide the necessary support to dismantle these troubling networks, bringing much-needed peace to Christian communities under siege.
