At least 19 Christians were killed in two separate attacks in Nigeria’s Plateau state within a 24-hour period, according to local residents and community leaders.
The violence took place in Bassa and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, regions that have experienced repeated unrest and deadly raids in recent years.
The first attack happened shortly after midnight on 8 May in Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa LGA. Residents said armed men, believed to be Fulani ethnic militias, entered the community while families were asleep and began attacking homes.
According to survivors, the attackers used guns and machetes during the raid, killing 11 people, including women, children and elderly residents.
Among those reported dead were community leader Sunday Hwie, 60, Eunice Samuel, 25, who was expecting a baby, Laraba Sunday, 29, also pregnant, and a three-year-old child, Festus Sunday.
Several others were injured during the assault. Local sources said at least 10 people suffered gunshot wounds and machete injuries, including women and children. One survivor, 18-year-old Ladi Sarki, who is pregnant, remains under medical care along with other injured residents.
Witnesses said the attackers moved through the village in darkness, entering homes and firing at residents as people attempted to escape.
The community affected by the attack is also the home area of a Nigerian reporter working with International Christian Concern (ICC), an organisation that monitors persecution against Christians worldwide. Sources said some of the victims were relatives, neighbours and acquaintances of the journalist.
Less than a day later, further violence broke out in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, south of the city of Jos. Residents reported that armed men attacked several communities on the evening of 9 May, leaving at least eight Christians dead.
Areas affected included Sabon Layi, Rakung, Gangare and communities near the General Hospital area, including Zat and Bet.
Witnesses said gunfire spread across the area as frightened residents fled into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities in search of safety.
Community members claimed heavily armed attackers arrived on motorcycles and on foot before opening fire on civilians. Some residents said security personnel only arrived after the violence had already spread to other locations.
The attacks reportedly happened close to Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace, a military security operation active in Plateau state and surrounding areas.
Local youth leader Barrister Solomon Dalyop said many families became separated while trying to escape the violence during the night.
One resident, who asked not to be named, described scenes of panic as gunfire echoed through the communities and people searched for safe shelter.
David Nanpet, a volunteer with the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), said he witnessed several deaths during the attack while shootings continued in nearby areas.
Plateau state, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, has suffered years of violence affecting mainly Christian farming communities. Local leaders frequently report night-time raids, destruction of homes and farmland, and large-scale displacement of residents.
Following the latest attacks, many families in Bassa and Barkin Ladi have reportedly fled to neighbouring communities for temporary refuge, while injured survivors continue receiving medical treatment.
Christian advocacy groups and community leaders have again called for stronger protection for vulnerable communities and renewed efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.
Original reporting by International Christian Concern, rewritten for this publication.
