Attack in Nigeria kills 25 people, mostly women and children

Please pray – at least 25 people belonging to a predominantly Christian community have been killed in the latest horrifying attack in northern Nigeria.

At least 25 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in an attack on a predominantly Christian community in northern Nigeria. 

The incident happened when militant members of the Fulani people group targeted the village of BinPer Bwai in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, between midnight on 17 August until the early hours of the following morning. An Open Doors field contact reports that the attackers moved from house to house, killing people in their sleep, and injuring many more. They also destroyed people’s farmlands. 

The militants initially tried attacking the communities of Murish, Jwak Maitumbi and Mairana in broad daylight just a few days earlier on 12 August. They arrived in large numbers, chanting ‘’Allahu Akbar’’ (meaning God is greater) and shooting into the air. Whilst the attacks in Murish and Mairana were thwarted by security forces, the one in Jwak Maitumbi couldn’t be stopped. Homes, livelihoods and churches were destroyed, but no deaths were reported.  

Strategic hiding 

According to Kewente*, a local contact, the victims are mostly women and children because the attackers hid in strategic places before local men went out to keep watch over the community at night – not knowing that the militants were already in the community. Given that it’s the peak of the rain season, bushes are overgrown, making them easier to hide in.  

Locals say that the attacks happened despite the presence of Nigerian soldiers in the village and other nearby communities. Punch reports that, “Women, who came out in large numbers, held leaves as they marched through the community, lamenting the killings and calling for urgent government action to protect residents.” 

The local Mwaghavul Youth Movement group also ‘accused authorities of failing to protect vulnerable communities and called for a review ⁠of security in the area’.  

The attacks have further heightened fear amongst locals who are rebuilding and resettling in their homes after the huge losses and displacements three years ago. In May 2023, more than 100 people in Mangu LGA were killed by radicalised Fulani. Later that year, over Christmas, up to 200 people are believed to have died when the militants targeted Mangu, Bokko and Barkin Ladi, all of which are mostly Christian.   

Dire need for trauma care 

These attacks cause obvious physical loss, but also emotional and spiritual trauma that have long-lasting effects on families and communities.  

“The attacks spread fear, weakens social cohesion, hinders economic growth and increases the burden on the church,” a local church leader explains. “Congregations often look at church leaders for emotional support and after large attacks the church leaders likely also in their personal capacity suffer losses while still supporting others.” 

This is why the trauma care provided by Open Doors local partners through your support is so important – not only in Nigeria but in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa.  

“Trauma almost destroyed my faith. But after the training, my relationship with God was revived,” says Pastor Michée in Burkina Faso, whose father was killed in an attack. “Untreated trauma is contagious. There are a great number of people who are in dire need of this training.” 

Please continue to stand with our African family as they face relentless attacks that bring untold suffering. If you’ve yet to, please sign and share the Arise Africa petition, which calls for protection, justice and restoration for our persecuted family. Together, we can reach one million signatures, and help to stop the violence and start the healing. Thank you.  

*Name changed for security reasons