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90 Christians Killed by Jihadist Muslim Militias in Nigeria This Past Week
A series of violent attacks targeting Christian communities in Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 90 individuals in the past week, sparking renewed international concern over the escalating persecution of Christians in the country.
The incidents, occurring primarily in Benue and Plateau States, highlight a disturbing pattern of violence that has persisted for decades, with little reprieve for the affected communities.
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A Week of Tragedy
The violence began on June 1, 2025, in Benue State, where reports indicate that at least 85 Christians were killed by armed Fulani ethnic militias in Gwer West and Apa counties. This wave of attacks, described by local sources as a “coordinated assault,” saw entire villages targeted, with homes burned and churches destroyed. The brutality continued into early June, with additional attacks reported in Plateau State. On June 3, three Christians were ambushed and killed in Kwall village, Bassa County, followed by the deaths of two more Christians in Nkienwhie village on June 4. These incidents, attributed to Fulani herdsmen, have left communities in mourning and heightened fears of further violence.
Christian Persecution
The recent massacres are part of a broader crisis that has seen approximately 62,000 Christians killed in Nigeria since 2000, according to various reports. Groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militias have been implicated in these attacks, often driven by a complex mix of religious, ethnic, and land disputes. Nigeria’s ranking of 7th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List for Christian persecution underscores the severity of the situation, with the country accounting for 3,100 of the 4,476 global Christian killings in the reporting period.
The violence is not merely a statistic; it represents a profound human tragedy. In Taraba State, for instance, over 50 Christians were killed in late May, with 30 of those deaths occurring in coordinated attacks on Munga Lelau and Munga Dasso villages. These attacks, involving over 50 motorcycles carrying armed men, left more than 62 homes burned and hundreds displaced, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Government Response and Calls for Action
In response to the escalating violence, the Nigerian military has taken steps, including a recent visit by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, to Benue State on June 9, 2025. The visit aimed to oversee operations and engage with stakeholders, with the Benue Good Governance Network praising it as evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s determination to tackle insecurity. However, critics argue that the government’s response has been inadequate. Prominent attorney Sebastine Hon petitioned President Tinubu for a state of military emergency on June 2, 2025, highlighting perceived inaction. Nigerian Catholic Bishops also condemned the Tinubu administration on June 7, 2025, for neglecting the killings, calling for more decisive action.
Internationally, there is growing concern, with the U.S. Congress considering sanctions against Nigeria over the rising persecution of Christians, as reported in March 2025. This reflects a broader call for accountability, though direct international intervention remains limited.
The Human Cost and Community Impact
Beyond the death toll, the attacks have led to significant abductions and displacements. Fourteen women were abducted while traveling in Benue State before June 1, 2025, and remain missing. In Taraba State, over 5,000 people were displaced due to the May attacks, with reports of churches destroyed and coordinated assaults involving 50 motorcycles, each carrying three armed men using AK-49s and machetes. The community impact is profound, with over 15 parishes closing in Benue State by May 31, 2025, as reported by Christian Daily International.
Local voices, such as Catholic priests, have accused the military of complicity, while survivors describe scenes of horror. “They burned down the church, they burned down houses. They killed pastors, they killed people, they killed even women and children,” said one witness, shedding light on the scale of the devastation.
Media Silence and Public Discourse
A notable aspect of these massacres is the perceived lack of international media coverage. Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a space for raising awareness, with X users highlighting the silence of global media on these atrocities. Suggesting biases in coverage, pointing to a broader neglect of African or Christian issues. This lack of attention contrasts sharply with the scale of the crisis, raising questions about geopolitical priorities and the need for greater awareness.
Looking Forward
The recent wave of attacks in Nigeria demand the urgent need for both national and international action. While military responses are underway, the effectiveness and political will remain debated.
Calls for healing and rebuilding emphasize the need for post-conflict reconstruction to restore dignity to displaced families and address the root causes of the violence.
As the world marks another chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing crisis, the plight of its Christian communities serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of silence and inaction.
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