Fulani herdsmen killed at least 12 Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state between January 1 and January 9, officials said.
Fulani herdsmen killed one Christian and seriously injured another on Friday (January 9) in Gero area of Gaer district, Jos South county, said Tenwon Yohana Thomas, a resident.
“Two Christian members of our community were attacked in broad daylight by a group of armed Fulani herdsmen,” Thomas told Christian Daily International Morning Star News. “One victim was stabbed to death and a second victim sustained life-threatening injuries.
The injured Christian is said to be receiving treatment at a hospital.
Thomas, Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council Gael, issued a PYC press statement asserting that the attack once again reveals the persistent insecurity that threatens the peaceful communities of Gael and surrounding areas.
“President Gale strongly condemns this evil and inhumane attack on innocent civilians.” “The continued targeting of innocent lives is unacceptable and a clear provocation to the peace and coexistence of our country.”
The PYC called on security agencies to immediately track down and bring the perpetrators to justice, governments at all levels to step up security operations in Gero Gel and surrounding areas, and authorities to take proactive steps to prevent further attacks. The group called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, cooperating fully with security agencies by reporting any suspicious movements or activities.
On the night of January 7, Fulani herders ambushed two Christians returning to their village in the Christian-majority village of Foron in Barkin Ladi district, community leader Moses Dung said. He said Ayuba Choji, 44, was stabbed to death with a knife and another Christian was also injured.
He said the attack occurred on the Kumex-Mararaba-Foron axis.
“The victim, Ayuba Choji, was stabbed to death by Fulani bandits while riding a motorbike with his companions, but survived the attack,” he said. “Before the incident, we had been warned by the Fulani bandits to leave the community or they would attack us and force us out of the area.”
In Riyom County, “Fulani terrorists” attacked and killed Christians just before 10 p.m. on January 6, community leader Jacob Dawap said.
“At 9:57 pm, a brutal and senseless attack took place in the village of Vvak in Jor community in Riyom local government area, killing a Christian, Mr. Pius Luka, 23,” Dawap said. “This unfortunate and barbaric act was carried out by Fulani terrorists.”
Local political leader Chris Giwa confirmed that Luka was killed in an attack by “Fulani bandits.”
“I strongly condemn this senseless violence and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” Giwa said. “Such attacks should not be tolerated by society and undermine peace and stability in Plateau State. I urge the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
Also on January 6, another Christian was killed by Fulani herdsmen in Rukuba area of Bassa County, resident Daniel Sunday Dodo said.
“Mr Peter Danjuma, a Christian, was killed by Fulani herdsmen in Kisaroi community in Rukuba area of Bassa local government area,” he said. “He was murdered in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 6th.”
On January 5, in Fula village, also in Bassa county, James Jatau was ambushed and killed by Fulani herdsmen along the Jirshe-Mayanga route, said resident Joseph Chudu Yonkpa.
On January 1, seven Christians were killed in Chugwi village in Vomu district, Jos South county, said Jos-based community activist Ruwan Tengwon.
“In the early hours of January 1, seven Christian villagers celebrating the New Year in Chugwi village, south of Jos, were killed,” Tenwon said. “The incident occurred around midnight and was carried out by armed Fulani insurgents.”
The New Year attack followed the abduction of Pastor Ephraim Yakubu from his home in Agingi community in Bassa County on December 3 by armed Fulani men. The pastor was rescued by military personnel the next day after extensive surgery.
Since October, more Christians have been killed in Nigeria than in any other country. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, from January 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. Of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith around the world during this period, 72 percent, or 3,490, were Nigerians, up from 3,100 the previous year. Nigeria ranked 7th on the list of 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
