Fulani extremists attacked communities in Benue State on Friday evening, 9 October. Nine bodies were recovered in the aftermath.
According to our local partners, “At least nine bodies have been recovered so far from Biliji and neighbouring villages. However, several residents remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue in the surrounding bushes.”
According to local contacts, the attackers crossed the border to Taraba State prior and after the attack. Four villages were attacked by more than a 100 extremists driving on around 50 motorbikes, each carrying at least two extremists. They split up to enter the villages in four groups. Biliji was hit the hardest.
Many villagers fled their homes during the attack, reports local media.
Vanguard spoke to an eyewitness who said the community “discovered that one of the armed herdsmen is in possession of the phones of one of the victims, and he has been using it to make and receive calls.”
Kewente*, a spokesperson in Plateau State, says it is almost harvest time for Christian farmers. “Attacks are increasing, although deaths are fewer.” He explains extremist Fulanis destroy crops on farms during attacks and that this has a devastating implication for farmers. Often this is the time of the year they harvest and generate an income that should last them until the next harvest.
*Name changed for security purposes
pray:
- Pray for the affected communities to heal physically and emotionally from the trauma of the attacks.
- Pray for the churches in the affected areas to continue their activities and to be salt and light in these areas.
- Pray for the church leaders who lost church members to guide their flock wisely to react biblically to the violence.
- Pray for changes to the way the authorities react to the violence so there will be justice.
- Pray God intervenes in this situation and that the violence will end, and
- Pray that the attackers will meet Jesus and stop causing this violence.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
