In a somber update from Nigeria's Plateau State, nearly 200 victims of recent violent attacks have been laid to rest in mass graves. The assaults, which occurred between December 23 and December 26, 2023, have deepened concerns over ongoing ethnic and religious tensions in the region. Families in Maiyanga village mourn their lost loved ones as local authorities report a rising death toll from these tragic events.

A new report by the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) highlights a troubling trend: over the past four years, armed groups, including Fulani herdsmen and affiliated bandits, have caused more civilian deaths than notorious extremist organizations like Boko Haram and ISWAP. From October 2019 to September 2023, these groups accounted for over 12,000 civilian deaths, while Boko Haram and ISWAP together claimed approximately 3,000 lives.

The report reveals a stark disparity in the impact of violence on religious communities. Among the 30,880 civilians killed, 16,769 were Christians, compared to 6,235 Muslims. Additionally, Christians represented a majority of those abducted, with 11,185 of the 21,532 reported kidnappings.

The data indicates that the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) plays a significant role in the cycle of violence, with many attacks concentrated in Nigeria’s North Central and Northwest regions. Christian leaders express serious concerns about the targeted nature of these attacks, suggesting an agenda to seize land and impose Islamic law.

As Nigeria remains the deadliest country for Christians, with over 4,100 killed for their faith in just one year, the international community is urged to address the underlying issues fueling this violence. The report highlights the urgent need for attention to the actions of the Fulani herdsmen and their affiliations, as they continue to threaten the safety and security of vulnerable communities across the nation.