Fulani cattle herders have reportedly killed about 70 Christians in Plateau State, including one pastor.
According to a report published by Vanguard newspaper, some herdsmen raided some Christian villages with guns and then burned down homes and churches,
It was gathered that the assailants shoot their victims as they ran away. A man who lives in the area, Gyang, told newsmen that: “The jihadists, in their quest to eliminate Christians in Plateau State and their thirst for blood, have succeeded in killing Christians and burning their houses.”
The worst came on May 2, when gun carrying herdsmen burnt down the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) located in Foron Town, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), killing 27 Christians.
A pastor, Rev. Luka Gwom, was said to have lost his life to the attack. He was said to have just married two weeks prior to the attack in the same church building.
“We in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs have been under siege and invasion. Lives have been lost almost every day, and [there is] no serious action from any quarter by the government. But we are still faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Gyang said.
Gyang revealed that some couple of days back two people were killed as they returned from the burial of fellow Christians who were slaughtered in a Fulani raid that happened just days before.
Police Spokesman, Ezelea Austin said: “It is the longstanding issue over grazing rights and cattle rustling between Egba and Fulani people.”
Austin confirmed that the herdsmen chanted “Allahu Akhbar” during the attack, the Arabic saying, “God is Great,” which has become associated with jihadist Muslim terrorism.Christians and Muslims groups alike have condemned the surge in religion motivated attacks. This is not the first time Christians have been killed in that part of Nigeria. No fewer than 82 Christians in a village in Benue State lost their lives to Muslim Fulani cattle herders attack in mid-March.
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