(Photo: Morning Star News)
In a tragic incident that underscores ongoing tensions in central Nigeria, a village was the target of a deadly assault resulting in the loss of over twenty lives, according to local reports. Described as “Fulani terrorists,” the attackers struck on Thursday night, causing devastation in the community.
The attack took place in Mbwelle village near Bokkos town, Plateau state, at approximately 9 p.m. Residents recounted the horror, with Moses Kefas informing Christian Daily International-Morning Star News about the casualties, including seven of his family members.
The victims included church elder Iliya Mangut Dakus and several others from the Dakus family. Reports also mentioned that Bearice Lucky Dakus suffered severe gunshot injuries, and many residents remain unaccounted for the following day.
Polycarp Gomwus, another resident, identified the attackers as Fulani terrorists, describing the assault as unprovoked. “This is an unprovoked attack by Fulani terrorists – 20 Christians were killed without provocation,” he shared with Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
The plea for divine intervention was echoed by Faith Ayuba, urging prayers for those affected in Mbwellen village. Similarly, Benita Simon and Felix Kasha confirmed the death toll at 20 Christians.
Jos Attack
In a related incident, the southern region of Jos faced its own tragedy. On April 3, Fulani herdsmen allegedly killed three Christians in Gyel Gero, Jos South Local Government Area. Pastor Nansen John reported the attack, noting the community’s shock, especially on Good Friday.
Details from Pastor John identified the deceased as Luka Sandu Pam, Samuel Davou, and Deme Saidu, with the attackers having arrived on motorbikes. Resident Jessy Jay lamented the repeated attacks, saying, “There has been another terror attack in Gyel community of Jos South Local Government Area carried out by Fulani herdsmen.”
These incidents are part of a troubling pattern of violence, as evidenced by over eight mass burials in the region within five months. The police responded with patrols and announced a ban on night grazing and mining to enhance security.
Previously, on March 29, a separate attack in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos resulted in the death of over 28 Christians. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria remains a dangerous place for Christians, with the highest number of Christian fatalities globally from Oct. 2024 to Sept. 2025.
The Fulani, largely Muslim and numbering in millions, include groups with extremist ideologies. The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief reports that some Fulani adopt strategies akin to Boko Haram and ISWAP, targeting Christian symbols and communities.
Conflicts over land and religious imposition drive these attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. The violence, fueled by desertification and resource scarcity, has spread southwards, with new jihadist groups emerging, further complicating the security landscape.
© 2026 Christian Daily International-Morning Star News
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
