Fulani jihadists carried out coordinated assaults on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Plateau State, resulting in over 60 deaths, leaving the world’s response hanging in the balance.
Quick Takes
- Over 60 Christians were murdered in Plateau State’s Bokkos County by Fulani jihadists.
- 383 homes were destroyed, over 1,000 Christians displaced.
- Governor Mutfwang describes the violence as genocide, calling for international intervention.
- Lack of global response exacerbates Christian community’s peril in Nigeria.
Coordinated Attacks Devastate Bokkos County
In early April 2025, radicalized Fulani jihadists launched deadly assaults on seven Christian communities in Nigeria’s Bokkos County. More than 60 Christians were killed, and 40 of those deaths took place in Hurti village alone. The coordinated attacks have led to the destruction of 383 homes and displaced more than 1,000 individuals, underscoring a targeted campaign of terror by Islamist militias across the region.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has labeled these atrocities as “genocide,” emphasizing that the attacks were “unprovoked” and targeted “innocent and vulnerable people.” The Plateau State leader has made urgent appeals for international aid to stop what he sees as a growing threat to Nigeria’s Christian population.
Strategic Campaign Against Christian Farmers
The attacks in Bokkos County appear to be part of a broader strategic campaign aimed at driving Christian farmers from their lands. Reports suggest that such assaults are not only religiously motivated but also part of a land seizure strategy by radical Fulani militants who adhere to an Islamist ideology. The Fulani, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group in Nigeria, have been involved in various acts of violence against Christians across the nation.
International organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized the Nigerian government for its inaction. They call for justice for the victims and demand military intervention to dismantle armed networks and restore peace. Such intervention is seen as vital to prevent the escalation of this chronic violence sweeping Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Global Inattention and the Crisis of Accountability
Amid these ongoing atrocities, calls for international intervention have grown louder. International Christian Concern President Jeff King has publicly condemned the attacks, urging for international scrutiny and action. Despite these appeals, the lack of global attention and accountability remains a critical issue, exacerbating the plight of Nigeria’s Christians.
“Romans 13:4 states, ‘For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer,’” said Rev. Tongsmangs Dasbak, a Christian leader in Plateau state. “The federal government must exercise its authority to bring justice to the oppressed and end the reign of terror in Plateau state.”
The violence has continued to spread, with new jihadist groups such as Lakurawa emerging, affiliated with the Al-Qaeda insurgency. Such developments raise grave concerns about the future stability of not only Plateau State but Nigeria as a whole, where Christians continue to face persecution.
