Escalating Violence Against Christians in Nigeria: Over 299 Killed in July
(Photo: Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan)
A recent report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) highlights a deeply concerning wave of violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. In July alone, at least 299 Christians were killed and over 200 were abducted across various regions in the country.
According to the report, Nigeria’s Middle Belt and other regions have seen an increase in attacks, with evidence gathered from local and international news outlets, social media, church statements, and government sources.
The report identifies armed Fulani groups, Boko Haram, and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as primary perpetrators of these attacks.
Regional Impact
Benue State suffered the highest number of fatalities with 65 Christian deaths in July, while Southern Kaduna experienced about 70 abductions. Plateau State also faced severe violence, particularly in Riyom and Barkin Ladi communities, where several attacks were reported.
Among those killed were relatives of Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo, a vocal advocate against violence targeting Christian villages in Plateau.
Continuing Attacks into August
The violence showed no signs of abating in August. Between August 16 and 18, over 30 individuals were killed in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Resident Lonji Zuhumnan reported that, “Apart from the people they slaughtered, the terrorists also burned down over 50 houses, shops, health centers, churches and food barns.” In Benue, more than 20 bodies were recovered following attacks in Ukum Local Government Area.
Abductions and Displacement
Mass kidnappings along major roads remain a critical issue. On August 9 and 13, around 92 Igbo Christian travelers were abducted, with 62 still missing at the time of the report. Additionally, on August 26, 15 members of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps were kidnapped in Kogi.
The report points to longstanding issues of land disputes and displacement, noting that several communities in Plateau and Southern Kaduna have been left abandoned due to repeated attacks.
International Attention and Response
The international community has taken notice. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure making certain aid to Nigeria conditional on improved protection for Christians. Congressman Riley Moore stated, “Christians in Nigeria continue to endure horrific violence, murder, and persecution while a majority of the world turns a blind eye to their suffering.”
European lawmakers have echoed these concerns, and the UN has been urged to investigate the violence against Christians and moderate Muslims in Nigeria as potential ‘genocide by attrition.’
Intersociety’s findings reinforce earlier reports indicating a troubling trend of violence against Christian communities, suggesting these areas bear a disproportionate share of the conflict.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
