Islamic extremists intercepted two buses Nov. 24 in Nigeria and abducted 71 Christian passengers.
Muslim Fulani herdsmen kidnapped 48 Christians from a bus traveling from Ondo State to Edo State for a funeral, reported Morning Star News. As of Dec. 1, 43 were still captive.
One kidnapped female was nearly beaten to death because she could not walk as fast as the assailants demanded, stated Morning Star News, quoting one of the woman’s relatives. The woman was later found in a wilderness and was given medical treatment.
Fulani took another 23 individuals captive from a bus in Edo State. The kidnapped passengers were traveling to a wedding and were workers from Peace House, a Christian ministry in Benue State. Fourteen of the people had been recovered by Dec. 1.
Nigerian Christian leaders believe herdsmen attack Christians in order to take over their land and impose Islam, explained Morning Star News.
Nigeria is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian. Nigeria has led the world in the number of Christians abducted or killed for their faith.