Nigerian prelate condemns attacks on Christian villages; thousands displaced

April 04, 2013

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, president of the Nigerian bishops’ conference, has condemned attacks on three central Nigerian villages by predominantly Muslim Fulani farmers. The attacks, which were directed against a predominantly Christian area and took place on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, left at least 19 dead and led 4,500 to flee their homes.

“Where do these people come from?” said Archbishop Kaigama. “What streets do they take to reach the affected villages? How do they bring the weapons of war to conduct their attacks without attracting the attention of the police?”

“Many villagers fled to the nearby hills,” according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which monitors the persecution of Christians. “Some who returned later to assess the extent of the damage were also murdered. The majority of victims were women and children.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Attacks on villages; the Archbishop of Jos "Where are the security forces?" (Fides)
• At least 80 die in armed attacks on villages in Kaduna and Plateau States in Easter Week (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
• Nigeria Easter Season Attacks Kill 80, Christians Urge Prayers (BosNewsLife)