by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - Christians in Plateau state, Nigeria are devastated after Fulani terrorists murdered an Assemblies of God pastor, his wife, and three other church members less than one week after Christian Irigwe and Muslim Fulani leaders met to discuss an end to the decades-long slaughter of believers by radicalized Islamic militants.
The latest attack took place on Sunday, Jun. 2, in Kwall district, Irigwe chiefdom of Bassa Local government area in Plateau State, ICC reports. The slaughter followed the establishment of a Peace Implementation Committee meeting that had been organized by the Nigerian Army’s Operations Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos. The committee purportedly aimed to bring lasting peace between Christian Irigwe and Muslim Fulani communities in Plateau state.
Condemning Sunday’s attack, Rev. Akus Odoh of the Evangelical Church Winning All in Miango district said in a statement: “Nigeria has lost its values, including its respected army in West Africa. The government doesn’t respect the right to life.” The Reverend called for a thorough investigation into the attack, attesting that Fulani leaders who participated in the Peace Implementation Committee meeting had not been sincere.
Ruled by an Islamic government, Nigeria ranks six on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. “Violence by Islamic extremist groups such as Fulani militants, Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State in West African Province) increased during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, putting Nigeria at the epicenter of targeted violence against the church.
The government’s failure to protect Christians and punish perpetrators has only strengthened the militants’ influence,” the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization states in a website report.