Fulani extremists killed 12 Christians in attacks on two worship services on Easter Sunday (April 5) in Kaduna State, Nigeria, following the killing of 17 Christians in Benue State, sources said, according to Morning Star News.
The assailants raided predominantly Christian Ariko town, in Kachia County and fired on Christians at worship at an Evangelical Church Winning All site and at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Dozens of others were kidnapped, and both church buildings were damaged, area residents said.
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“The attackers, who have been identified as Fulani bandits, were in large numbers,” Kachia Council Member Mark Bawa told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. “They surrounded the community and attacked the churches as Christians were in worship services. Many Christians have been killed, while dozens of others were captured and taken away into the bush.”
Resident Sam Bahago said at least eight Christians were killed and many others taken into the forest.
“Ariko town, a peaceful community in Kachia Local Government Area, was tragically attacked on Easter Sunday by Fulani bandits,” Bahago said.
Army personnel who later arrived recovered more bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll to 12, according to Truth Nigeria.
Benue Gov. Hyacinth Alia in a press statement described the attack as “heinous” and unacceptable to his government.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and published by Morning Star News.
