Deadly Attacks by Fulani Militia Continue Against Christian Villages as 11 Christians Killed
In continuation of a wave of violence against Christians in central Nigeria, at least 11 Christians have been killed and several others wounded in armed attacks on three Christian villages in Plateau State over the past few days. International reports indicate that Nigeria remains the most dangerous country in the world for Christians, with Fulani extremist groups, Boko Haram, and affiliated ISIS branches playing a prominent role in these attacks; attacks that Christian leaders describe as part of a coordinated effort to intimidate, forcibly displace, and seize Christian lands.
In the latest round of attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria, armed individuals affiliated with Fulani groups, in separate raids on three Christian villages in the “Barkin Ladi” area of Plateau State, killed at least 11 Christians and injured five others. These attacks have once again intensified concerns about escalating targeted violence against Christians in central Nigeria’s regions.
According to local sources, the bloodiest attack occurred on Sunday evening, May 3, in the village of “Faan,” where armed attackers launched a nighttime ambush and shot dead five Christians as they returned from work. A local resident told international media: “Fulani armed men in a fresh attack on Faan village killed five Christians. The victims were caught off guard while on their way back to their homes.”
“Ruwang Tanwuong,” a local leader of the area, confirming the attack, stated that all residents of Faan village are Christians. In a press statement, he said: “The victims were on their way home after completing their daily activities when the Fulani attackers, after setting an ambush for them, opened fire on them and killed them.”
This attack is only part of a series of violence that has engulfed Christian-populated areas of Plateau State in recent weeks. Earlier on April 27, two Christians were killed in the village of “Kasa.” One of the victims was identified as “Gyang Choji Kim.” Also, on April 19, Fulani armed men attacked the village of “Horam” in the Gashish area, resulting in four Christians killed and five others wounded.
“Florence Yohanna,” a resident of Horam, spoke about the attack saying: “May God have mercy and save us from the armed Fulani group. My village has been targeted again.” She added: “The attackers entered the village at night and indiscriminately opened fire on people.”
The recent attacks come as Plateau State has witnessed a wave of bloody violence in recent months. International media and Christian organizations have reported that in the weeks leading up to Easter alone, dozens of Christians were killed in various parts of the state. Some reports have put the number of victims of April attacks at more than 20 people.
The Christian organization “Open Doors” stated in its “World Watch 2026” report that Nigeria remains the deadliest country in the world for Christians. According to this report, of the 4,849 Christians killed worldwide for their faith, 3,490 died in Nigeria; a figure that accounts for 72 percent of global victims. This number has shown significant increase compared to last year.
The report also emphasized that extremist groups operating in Nigeria, including certain armed Fulani factions, Boko Haram, and “ISIS West Africa,” specifically target Christian communities. The UK Parliament’s International Commission for Religion and Belief Freedom had previously warned that some Fulani militia members follow extremist Islamist ideology and employ “strategies similar to Boko Haram.”
Church leaders and human rights activists in Nigeria have repeatedly accused the government of failing to protect Christians. They say repeated attacks on Christian villages have caused widespread displacement of families, destruction of agricultural lands, and created an atmosphere of constant fear among residents of central Nigeria’s regions.
