Tragic Violence in Plateau State: Over 60 Christian Lives Lost
In a series of violent attacks, more than 60 Christians were killed in Plateau State, Nigeria, on April 2 and 3, by what Governor Caleb Mutfwang described as acts of “genocide.” The assaults targeted seven Christian communities within Bokkos County, with Hurti village experiencing the most significant loss, as over 40 individuals were killed, according to local community leader Maren Aradong.
Aradong reported that the onslaught displaced over 1,000 Christians in Hurti, and left 383 homes destroyed, with attackers arriving on motorcycles and looting properties. “These attacks began on Wednesday, 2 April, at about 3 p.m.,” he told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Farmasum Fuddang, heading the Bokkos Community Development Council, explained that the initial count of 21 deaths on April 2 was surpassed by an additional 40 casualties the following day. “These attacks were carried out by Fulani terrorists who targeted Christian communities of Ruwi, Mangor, Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai,” Fuddang noted.
Governor Mutfwang indicated that these acts were unprovoked and not politically motivated, emphasizing the devastating impact on vulnerable populations. He highlighted a pattern of attacks coinciding with the farming season, suggesting they aim to maintain poverty in the region by driving farmers from their lands.
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to address what they called a “pattern of mass killings and government inaction.” Their investigations showed a grim statistic of at least 1,336 people killed between December 2023 and February 2024 across Plateau State.
In response to the crisis, Rev. Tongsmangs Dasbak emphasized the urgent need for federal intervention, pointing to significant losses and the displacement of communities. He called for military action to dismantle the networks of armed perpetrators and restore peace.
Further complicating the situation, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) has noted that while not all Fulani hold extremist views, some adhere to radical ideology similar to Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Nigeria continues to be one of the most perilous places for Christians, as reflected in Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, with the country ranking seventh for anti-Christian violence.
Despite efforts to address the turmoil, the situation remains dire, with ongoing violence and displacement threatening the livelihoods and safety of countless individuals across Plateau State.
For further information, please visit Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
