4/1/19 Nigeria (International Christian Concern)- Fulani herdsmen continued their string of attacks early morning on Saturday, March 23, starting with three young Christian siblings returning home from a community feast. As reported by Morning Star News, Fulani herdsmen beat, raped and killed a 19-year-old Christian woman while her younger sister and brother were able to escape. Though the two youngest were able to return home, they did so with gunshot and machete wounds.

The herdsmen then traveled to the family’s hometown, Mante village, where 17 homes were burned. Continuing their onslaught, the Fulani pushed on towards another predominately Christian town, Nidan village, where they burned 11 more homes. Four churches had their building or property destroyed between the two attacks. As a result, hundreds of displaced Christians fled to Akwanga.

The burden of caring for these individuals now falls to those in the town of Akwanga. One pastor called on the local government to supply relief or aid support as the town attempts to adapt to the newcomers.

The attacks by Fulalni herdsmen have wide-reaching effects. Though the Christians in the attacked towns suffer immensely under their violent hand, their suffering continues long after the incident as they mourn the loss of loved ones and attempt to re-start their lives from nothing. Those in neighboring villages must adapt to the newly-displaced Christians and find ways to accommodate them into their town. Those in Nasarawa are hopeful that they will receive a form of aid from the government to help mitigate their struggle, though they are a long way from returning to normal life.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected]