11/22/2023 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Tensions are still high in a Christian minority community after a 35-year-old Christian who instructs children in the Church of Christ in All Nations (COCIN) was found dead on a Nigerian farm near LEA Primary School Kasuwan Ali, in Mangu County. The investigation continues in the man’s death last month.

Meshark Isa was last seen watching a soccer game before heading out to his farm, where he was later found beheaded. Police who came to the scene refused to talk to an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer, said it was a criminal act and they couldn’t talk to journalists until after the investigation. 

“We are afraid,” said the leader of the community after the attack in his area. He called for an investigation to avoid another attack. Another witness told an ICC staffer that the ambush was an early warning for more attacks, and that “everyone must be vigilant and careful.” 

Locals in the Kasuwan Ali, also referred to as Pumbush, said there are a series of threats by Fulani herders to attack the community, but God is protecting them. The eyewitness told an ICC staffer that Fulani are grazing on their farms and raping young girls, and no one is ever arrested. 

Since January, more than 700 Christians were killed in Mangu County suspected to be Muslim Fulani militants. Mangu County is one of many counties that face attacks by the militants, who kill Christian farmers to occupy their lands for grazing cattle. 

Please continue to pray for the persecuted Christians in Nigeria and the ICC staffer reporting in the villages.