One of the released protesters explained the reason behind the demonstration: “I came out to protest because of a corrupt government that doesn’t care about the right to life. The ongoing killings by Fulani extremists are evil and represent the height of corruption in Nigeria.”

Activists condemned Nigerian authorities for not taking action against Fulani Islamic terrorists, who had attacked several areas and killed numerous Christians in the past months. One of the most recent assaults happened in Agatu County, Benue state where Fulani herdsmen murdered six people, including two soldiers and a monarch, His Royal Highness Chief Ezekiel Seni Aboh. The surviving villagers were forced to flee their homes. 

Three local farmers were killed in Otutubatu village on the evening of Independence Day. Fulani militants have targeted this area since last year, continuously terrorising Christian communities. 

Six Christians were shot dead in Southern Kaduna’s Kaura on the 1st of October. The assailants were shouting “Allahu Akbar” as they carried out the attack. A local pastor, Reverend Joshua Barrie, said it had been a deliberate act of terror against Christians. Islamic terrorists oppose the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day, which contradicts their religious beliefs. Pastor Barrie also reached out to Christians and asked them to pray and stand against violence. 

Pastor Ojotu Ojema –  the Agatu representative of Nigeria’s National Assembly – expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s approach towards the atrocities. He urged the military to put more effort into preventing future attacks. 

According to Open Doors UK, Nigeria is still the most dangerous place in the world for Christians. 4,118 people were killed between the 1st of October 2022 and the 30th of September 2023. 3,300 Christians were kidnapped within that period, more than anywhere else in the world.  

Source: https://www.persecution.org/