Christians in Nigeria ask why the Nigerian military does not protect them. (U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Castellano, public domain)

ABUJA, Nigeria (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Fulani herdsmen killed at least 12 Christians in Plateau state, Nigeria from Jan. 1 to Jan. 9, sources said.

In the Gero area of Gyel District in Jos South County, Fulani herders on Friday (Jan. 9) killed one Christian and critically wounded another, said resident Tengwong Yohana Thomas.

“Two Christians who are members of our community were attacked by a group of armed Fulani herdsmen in broad daylight,” Thomas told Christian Daily Internaional-Morning Star News. “One of the victims was stabbed to death, while the second victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

The injured Christian was receiving hospital treatment, he said. Thomas, head of the Plateau Youth Council Gyel, issued a PYC press statement asserting that the attack once again exposed persistent insecurity threatening peaceful communities in Gyel and surrounding areas.

“The PYC Gyel strongly condemns this wicked and inhumane attack on harmless citizens,” he stated. “The continuous targeting of innocent  lives is unacceptable and a clear provocation against peace and coexistence in our land.”

The PYC called on security agencies to immediately track down and bring the perpetrators to justice, government at all levels to intensify security operations in Gero Gyel and surrounding areas and authorities to take proactive measures to prevent further attacks. The group urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while cooperating fully with security agencies by reporting any suspicious movements or activities.

The night of Jan. 7 in predominantly Christian Foron village, Barkin Ladi County, Fulani herdsmen ambushed two Christians who were returning to their village, said community leader Mose Dung. He said Ayuba Choji, 44, was stabbed to death with a knife, while the other Christian was wounded.

The attack occurred on the Kumex-Mararaba-Foron axis, he said.

“The victim, Ayuba Choji, was stabbed to death by Fulani bandits while riding on a motorcycle with a companion, who survived the assault,” he said. “Prior to the incident, we have been receiving threats from the Fulani bandits warning us to leave our community or they will attack and force us out of the area.”

In Riyom County, “Fulani terrorists” on Jan. 6 killed a Christian in an attack shortly before 10 p.m., said community leader Jacob Dawap.

“There was a brutal and senseless attack carried out on Wvak village in Jol community, Riyom Local Government Area, at 9:57 p.m. which led to the killing of a Christian, Mr. Pius Luka, 23,” Dawap said. “This unfortunate and barbaric act was carried out by Fulani terrorists.”

Chris Giwa, an area political leader, confirmed that the attack killed Luka and was carried out by “Fulani bandits.”

“I strongly condemn this senseless violence and express deepest condolence to the bereaved family,” Giwa said. “Such attacks have no place in the society and undermine the peace and stability of Plateau state. I urge the relevant authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice; those responsible must be held accountable.”

Also on Jan. 6, another Christian was killed in the Rukuba area of Bassa County by Fulani herdsmen, said resident Daniel Sunday Dodo.

“A Christian, Peter Danjuma, was killed by Fulani herdsmen in Kissaloi community in the Rukuba area of Bassa Local Government Area,” he said. “He was killed in the early hours of Tuesday, Jan. 6.”

On Jan. 5 in Hwrra village, also in Bassa County, James Jatau was ambushed and killed by Fulani herdsmen along the Zirshe-Maiyanga route, said resident Joseph Chudu Yonkpa.

On Jan. 1 in Chugwi village in the Vom area of Jos South County, seven Christians were killed, said Jos-based community activist Rwang Tengwong.

“Seven Christian villagers were killed in the early hours of 1 January while celebrating the New Year in Chugwi village of Jos South,” Tengwong said. “The incident occurred at about midnight and was carried out by armed Fulani militants.”

The attacks of the new year followed the Dec. 3 kidnapping of the Rev. Ephraim Yakubu from his house in Agingi community, Bassa County by armed Fulanis. The pastor was rescued a day later by military personnel after an extensive operation.

More Christians were killed in Nigeria than in any other country from Oc. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025, according to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List. Of the 4,849 Christians killed worldwide for their faith during that period, 3,490 – 72 percent – were Nigerians, an increase from 3,100 the prior year. Nigeria ranked No. 7 on the WWL list of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

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