Government Arrests Protesters, Ignores Deadly Fulani Militia Attacks on Christians

 As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary, human rights activists in Lagos, Abuja, and Plateau states were arrested by Nigerian police for protesting government corruption and poor governance. The protesters also decried the government’s failure to address the ongoing killings of Christians by Islamic Fulani militants. 

Despite these arrests, authorities have yet to take decisive action against the Fulani terrorists responsible for the deaths of more than a dozen Christians in Benue, Kogi, and Southern Kaduna states. 

One of the most recent attacks occurred in Agatu County, Benue state, where suspected Fulani militias launched a deadly assault, killing six people, including two soldiers and the high-ranking monarch, His Royal Highness Chief Ezekiel Seni Aboh. The attackers believed to have come from Kogi state, ambushed the soldiers, then fled, leaving the community in panic and forcing villagers to abandon their homes. According to Philip Ebenyakwu, caretaker chairman of Agatu County, security forces have been mobilized in response to the attack. 

The violence also spread to Kogi state, where three local farmers were killed in Otutubatu village on the eve of Independence Day. This attack is part of an ongoing campaign of violence against Christian communities. Local sources confirmed to an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer that Fulani militants have attacked the area since last year, with the most recent assault occurring in April. Despite the severity of these attacks, no Fulani militants have been arrested, and the violence — including the rape of local women — continues. 

In Southern Kaduna’s Kaura community, six Christians were shot dead on October 1 while observing the public holiday. The attackers, identified as Fulani militants, specifically targeted Christians, shouting “Allahu Akbar” as they carried out the assault.

A local clergy member described the attack as a deliberate act of terror aimed at Christians due to their faith. He added that the attackers rejected the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day, which they said was contrary to Islamic beliefs. 

Amid the violence, Reverend Joshua Barrie led a prayer conference in Miango District, Plateau state, calling on Christians to unite in prayer to end the persecution. He urged believers to stand firm against the ongoing violence, particularly in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and other Minority Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, which has become a flashpoint for attacks on Christian communities. 

One of the protestors released after being arrested in Jos, the capital of Plateau state, explained the motivation behind the demonstrations. 

“I came out to protest because of a corrupt government that doesn’t care about the right to life,” he said. “The ongoing killings by Fulani extremists are evil and represent the height of corruption in Nigeria.”