Thirty-One Christians Killed in Nigeria Attacks

At least 31 Christians were killed in two attacks in central Nigeria, including 11 children and a Catholic priest.

Suspected militants from the predominantly Muslim Fulani ethnic group killed 30 people during a nighttime attack on the Christian village of Naridon in Kaduna state. The victims included 21 Catholics and nine members of the Evangelical Church Winning All. Seven others were injured and several remain missing.

Residents said the attackers moved from house to house. Former local councilor Jacob Nera accused security forces of responding too late, while Catholic Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi criticized the government at the victims’ funeral for failing to protect the community.

Hours earlier, Catholic priest Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro was stabbed to death by unknown attackers in neighboring Kogi state.

US Presidential Adviser Massad Boulos called the continuing violence against Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in central Nigeria “intolerable”. He said the United States remained committed to working with Nigeria against terrorism and violent extremism so that all citizens could live and practice their faith without fear of persecution.

(catholicworldreport, bak)