7/11/2025 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Armed Fulani militants stormed a late-night Christian worship service in the village of Yaribori in Kafur County, Katsina state, killing a pastor and a visiting congregant and abducting a woman.

“Reverend Emmanuel Na’allah, pastor of Bege Baptist Church, and Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro, a convert to Christianity, were shot dead at the altar during a fellowship service on Monday night, July 7,” TruthNigeria reported. “A yet-unidentified woman was abducted by the assailants, who rode into the village on motorcycles, reportedly shouting Islamic slogans.”

The attack is the latest in a string of targeted assaults against Christian clergy and congregations across Nigeria. Data compiled by an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer indicates that at least 63 Christian pastors and church leaders have been killed, and 89 others abducted throughout Nigeria since January 2023.

Residents of Yaribori, a farming community roughly 40 miles south of Katsina city, said the attackers — numbering between 15 and 20 — targeted the church alone and spared nearby Muslim homes and mosques.

“They came in shouting, ‘Allahu Akbar,’ and ‘Death to infidels,’” said Emmanuel Dauda, a witness. “The pastor told us to stay calm and hide, but they reached him first.”

Another eyewitness added, “Reverend Na’allah stood before the pulpit and tried to reason with them. They shot him without hesitation.”

Reverend Na’allah was known for advocating peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the region. Locals said he had previously received threats from suspected extremists but continued his ministry without security protection.

“He worked with everyone, even Muslim youth,” said Musa Likita, a local farmer. “He never stopped preaching peace.”

The second victim, Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro, was among the earliest Christian converts in the village. Although he retained his Muslim name, locals said he was an active church member and had dedicated himself to reconciliation efforts in Yaribori.

While Yaribori is majority-Muslim, roughly 40% of its residents identify as Christian. The village hosts several Christian congregations, including ECWA, COCIN, HEKAN, Methodist, and Catholic churches.

Katsina state, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has experienced an uptick in religiously targeted violence during the past three years. In 2022, Catholic priests were kidnapped in Kafur. In 2023, 25 worshippers were abducted during a service in Kankara. And in 2024, mobs looted churches in Daura and Katsina city.

Security forces have yet to issue a statement on the Yaribori attack. No arrests were made at the time of this report. Local church leaders are praying for the return of those abducted.

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