ABUJA, Nigeria — Nearly 70 individuals were slain when attackers invaded two predominantly Christian villages in Nigeria’s Benue state.
The massacres continue the onslaught against Christians that has gripped Nigeria for years and made it the world leader for the number of believers kidnapped or killed for their faith. Sources told the news services Christian Daily International and Morning Star News that the assailants in both attacks were Muslim Fulani herdsmen.
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Lives lost
Eighteen Christians were murdered in the July 19 raid upon Mbacher village.
In an attack upon Ayati village Aug. 8, at least 50 Christians were killed. The news services say 30 bodies were recovered, but officials think others may have been taken elsewhere to be slain.
Sources told the news services that a criminal gang joined the Fulani in the Ayati attack.
Christian leaders suspect that the Fulani want to confiscate lands of Christians and impose Islam.
Nigeria is No. 6 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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