Tragic Attack on Christians in Nigeria
Reports indicate that around 200 Christians were reportedly killed by extremists in Benue, Nigeria, on Friday.
Local clergy, with assistance from a Catholic charity, expressed concern that police initially avoided confronting the militants. Eventually, they managed to reach the town’s market square, where the attackers set fire to a building housing over 500 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Justice, Development and Peace Foundation, part of Makurdi’s parish, estimates the death toll at about 200. This incident might be the largest attack in the region so far, following a disturbing trend of increasing violence.
One victim, a Nigerian named Michael Aja, shared with a news outlet that he lost 20 family members in the attack near his home.
Father Ukuma Jonathan Ambienbee, a local priest, recounted how he and other IDPs sought refuge within the church during the chaos, describing the situation as horrifying. He mentioned, “What I saw was really scary. People were slaughtered. The bodies were scattered everywhere.” He expressed gratitude for his survival.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu visited the site of the attack and remarked, “The scale of destruction and loss is heartbreaking.” He assured the residents, stating, “We will restore peace, rebuild it, and bring the assailants to justice. You are not alone.”
Following the attack, Tinubu directed security agencies to pursue those responsible. Father Jonathan mentioned that the attackers, identified as Fulanis—a predominantly Muslim group—were heard chanting during the incident.
Pope Leo XIV condemned the brutality of the attack, highlighting that many victims were internal refugees sheltered by local Catholic missions.
