Aug 7, 2025
Between August 1st and 5th, at least nine people—including a police officer—were killed in a string of coordinated assaults on Christian farming communities in Agatu County, Benue State, Nigeria. The attacks, believed to be reprisals by armed Fulani herdsmen, struck the villages of Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele. Local officials confirmed that the violence was likely connected to claims of cattle rustling made by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association. Agatu residents, many of whom belong to Nigeria’s Christian Idoma-speaking population, have long suffered in the ongoing clashes between nomadic herders and settled farmers. Poor infrastructure continues to hamper rapid security responses, leaving villages vulnerable to these brutal incursions.
These most recent killings are part of a broader pattern of anti-Christian violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. According to Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List, Nigeria remains the deadliest country in the world for Christians, with groups like International Christian Concern reporting widespread displacement and land loss among Christian farmers. Over 20,000 displaced families in Agatu remain in makeshift camps or with relatives. In 2023 alone, over 2,000 people were killed in herder-related violence across Nigeria. Despite peacebuilding efforts and appeals for federal intervention, residents say attacks continue with little warning or accountability. As of August 6th, no arrests had been made, and many fear the pattern of unchecked violence will persist without decisive action.
Stay Awake. Keep Watch.
SOURCE: International Christian Concern