Fulani Islamists attack three Christian villages in Taraba state

Fulani Islamists attacked three Christian villages in Taraba state, killing about 42 people.

According to the Christian Daily, on the morning of Saturday, May 24, armed men attacked three Christian villages in Taraba state in northeastern Nigeria, killing about 42 people and forcing hundreds to flee their homes.

According to the report, Fulani Muslims attacked the villages of Munga Dosu, Munga Lelao and Bandawa in Karim Lamido County, burning down houses and then massacred the residents. Some sources familiar with the attack said: "Residents of Karim Lamido, who are mostly Christians, were attacked by Fulani Muslim herders. Their houses were burnt down and more than 42 Christians were killed."

Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbo, condemned the attacks, describing the people of the region as peace-loving and vowing that the perpetrators of the crime would be identified, arrested and prosecuted. “The safety of our citizens is my top priority. We have taken all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and punish the perpetrators,” Agbo said in a statement.

James Leshan, spokesman for the Taraba State Police Command, also announced the deployment of police forces to the areas that were attacked.

Christian leaders in Nigeria also condemned the attack by Fulani Islamists on Christian communities, stating: "The Islamists' attack on Christian communities is rooted in their attempt to forcibly seize Christian lands and impose Islam, especially since desertification has made it difficult for them to make a living and maintain their herds."

Open Doors and World Watch also named Nigeria one of the most dangerous countries for Christians in their reports this year (2025). According to these organizations, Islamist groups such as the Fulani and Boko Haram, an offshoot of the Islamic State, are carrying out attacks, sexual violence, and murders in the northern states of Nigeria and their residents, who are mostly Christian communities, due to the weak control of the federal government in these areas. In addition, kidnapping for ransom has also increased sharply in these areas in recent years.