The Voice of the Martyrs Canada :: Christians brutally massacred in Plateau state :: Providing Information and Support for Persecuted Christians

Persecution News - Nigeria

Nigeria Profile

Total Area:
923,768 sq. km

Population:
138,283,240 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Nigeria is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Language:
English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani

Religion:
Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, Indigenous Beliefs 10%

Government Type:
Federal republic

Capital:
Abuja

Population Below Poverty Line:
70% (2007 est.)

Country Reports

Christians brutally massacred in Plateau state

March 11, 2010

Photo from Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Muslims launched deadly attacks on Christians in the three farming villages of Dogo Nahawa, Zot and Rastat in Plateau state near the city of Jos, Nigeria on March 7. The Muslim attackers, members of the Fulani ethnic group, killed hundreds of Christians, many of whom were women and children. The majority of the believers were members of the Berom ethnic group. "We were woken up by gunshots in the middle of the night, and before we knew what was happening, our houses were torched and they started hacking down people," said one survivor. The Muslims rampaged through homes while chanting "Allah Akbar" and brutally attacked people with knives and machetes. They also set fire to houses, burning approximately 75 to the ground. Sources estimate that around 500 people were killed in the violence.

The attack is the latest in several recent religious clashes in the state (click here for more information). While the country is almost evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, the state is predominantly Christian. The Muslim minority has long contested ownership of land in the state, intensifying tension between the two groups. (Source: Compass Direct, Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

Pray that those in turmoil due to these attacks will look to the God of all comfort for strength and peace (2 Corinthians 1). Pray that violence will not beget violence, but that Christians will demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus. Pray that God will advance His peace throughout Nigeria.

For more information about suffering believers in Nigeria, click here.