Militant Fulanis attacked communities in Benue State last week. Nine bodies were recovered in the aftermath.
Late on Friday, October 9, a large number of militant Fulani militants entered the Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, firing indiscriminately at helpless villagers.
According to a local partner, “at least nine bodies have been recovered so far from Biliji and neighbouring villages. However, several residents remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue in the surrounding bushes”.
According to reports, four villages were attacked by more than one hundred militants driving on around motorbikes. They split up to enter the villages in four groups, with Biliji being hit the hardest.
Many villagers fled their homes during the attack, reports local media.
Kewente*, a spokesperson in Plateau state, says it is almost harvest time for Christain farmers. “Attacks are increasing, although deaths are fewer.” He explains militant Fulanis destroy crops on farms during attacks and that this has a devastating implication for farmers. Often this is the time of the year that Christian farmers harvest and generate their year’s income.
Stop the Violence / Start the Healing
The level of violence facing the church across sub-Saharan Africa is horrifying, yet the world is only starting to take notice. You can stand with them by signing the Arise Africa petition. These are the final few weeks to reach our goal of 1 million voices of prayer and advocacy from around the world to present to the United Nations so that those in power will stand up, take notice and act to bring protection, justice and restoration for the church across sub-Saharan Africa.
Pray
- Pray for the affected community for the opportunity to heal physically and emotionally from the trauma of the attack;
- Pray for the churches in the affected areas to continue their activities and to be salt and light in these areas.
- Pray for the church leaders who lost church members to guide their flock wisely to react biblically to the violence
- Pray for God to intervene and stop future attacks.
