At least 68 Christians have been killed, with many more abducted or displaced in recent months in Benue State, Central Nigeria. According to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Pontifical Charity that aids the faithful in need, Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of Makurdi, Benue, has raised concerns over the severe situation and criticized the lack of action by Nigerian authorities.
The ongoing violence, largely attributed to attacks by terrorists from the Fulani tribe, predominantly Muslim, is targeting mostly Christian farming communities. This conflict is rooted in long-standing disputes between nomadic herders and settled farmers, but the availability of advanced weaponry has intensified the violence in recent years.
Insecurity has become a critical issue in Nigeria, especially in its northern and central regions. While initially sparked by the Boko Haram jihadist group, the violence has evolved to include clashes between herders and farmers and attacks from unidentified armed groups.
Bishop Anagbe emphasized the religious aspect of the attacks, noting the aggravating impact it has in a country that is roughly evenly split between a Christian-majority south and a Muslim-majority north. Most of the violence occurs in the central region, which is also home to Nigeria’s most fertile land. The Bishop believes the attacks by Fulani jihadist militias aim to depopulate Christian communities and seize their land, with some terrorists disguising themselves as herders.
He also criticized the government’s failure to act, pointing out that officials often provide “laughable” explanations, such as climate change, or claim that Muslims are also affected by attacks from so-called bandits. This ongoing violence has devastated Benue’s economy, once considered the “food basket of the nation,” and forced many formerly self-sufficient farmers to rely on charity.
Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, now hosts 80 percent of the region’s displaced population. Despite financial struggles, the Church continues to provide food, clothing, and scholarships to those in need. Efforts to address spiritual and health needs are ongoing, though instability has hindered pastoral activities in some areas. ACN has been a crucial support to the local Church, funding 105 projects in Nigeria in 2021 and raising awareness about Christian persecution at international events.