Pray for victims of Fulani violence ahead of Nigeria-US talks

On the eve of Nigerian President Buhari’s meeting with President Trump in Washington 19 Christians have been murdered in another shocking instance of Fulani violence. Christians in Nigeria have asked Open Doors to reinforce the importance of raising the issue of Fulani herdsmen violence tearing through the Christian community.

On the eve of Nigerian President Buhari’s meeting with President Trump in Washington 19 Christians have been murdered in another shocking instance of Fulani violence.

Two priests and 17 worshippers were killed when armed Fulani men stormed a Catholic church during morning mass in a remote village in Benue State on Tuesday 24 April.

"The herdsmen burnt nearly 50 houses during the attack and sacked the entire community," state police spokesperson, Terver Akase told CNN.

Open Doors field workers confirmed the attack and said the death toll is likely to rise as more bodies are discovered in the surrounding bush.

Open Doors’ Head of Advocacy, Zoe Smith said, “The violence perpetrated by militant elements of the Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria is chilling – in the last year, 50 Christian villages have been destroyed and thousands have been killed. As the leader of Nigeria and a Fulani himself, President Buhari is strategically placed to bring an end to this violence. Open Doors is joining with others around the world calling on President Trump to raise this as a matter of urgency with President Buhari in their conversations on Monday.”

The two world leaders are expected to discuss the promotion of economic growth, fighting terrorism, and building on Nigeria’s role as a democratic leader in the region.

How you can help

Christians in Nigeria have asked Open Doors to reinforce the importance of raising the issue of Fulani herdsmen violence tearing through the Christian community. What better way to contact President Trump than via Twitter! Open Doors supporters in the USA are tweeting their President and have asked us to join with them.

Please pray:

• For comfort to all affected and provisions for the needs of those who have lost houses and livelihoods
• The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on churches in Nigeria to stage peaceful protest to say ‘no’ to bloodshed in Nigeria on Sunday, 29 April. Pray that the protests will remain peaceful and that this will not be another opportunity for violence
• That the issue of the violence against Christians will be discussed with courage and clarity during President Buhari's meeting with President Donald Trump on Monday 30 April.