Christian Village Head Found Dead Post-Kidnapping in Nigeria
A village head in Nigeria was found dead after being kidnapped, alongside seven others, by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The abduction highlights ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria, where extremist actions are driven by land disputes and radical ideologies. Reports confirm a significant escalation in attacks and kidnappings in affected communities, raising concerns about the security and safety of Christians in the region.
A village head from the predominantly Christian Dnako village in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria, was found dead following his kidnapping. Yuda Garba, along with seven others, was abducted by armed suspected Fulani herdsmen on March 11. His remains were located in the Nomadic Forest by local villagers, and authorities are focusing on locating the other kidnapped individuals.
The abduction occurred around midnight when bandits invaded the village, taking people from their homes at gunpoint. At the time, Garba’s two grandchildren and four other Christians were also kidnapped. Residents expressed their anguish, confirming that one victim was a cousin of a local villager who witnessed the event.
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the Abuja Federal Capital Territory Police, confirmed that police are actively searching for the abductors. Further incidents of kidnapping by suspected herdsmen have been reported in the region, with one involving members of a notable local Christian family.
In a separate incident on March 5, Ishaya Kukah, brother of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah from Sokoto Diocese, was abducted alongside six others in Kaduna state. The victims were forcibly taken while they were asleep, sparking widespread concern for their safety.
Reports indicate that the Fulani Muslims comprise various clans across Nigeria but some have adopted extremist views. They have been noted for their violent tactics against Christian communities, which is believed to be rooted in a desire to dominate farmland and impose a radical ideological agenda as climate changes affect their pastoral practices.
Nigeria remains a highly dangerous environment for Christians, ranking as one of the worst countries for religious persecution. The most recent estimates indicate that up to 69% of Christians killed globally for their faith occurred in Nigeria, necessitating urgent action to address the escalating violence and insecurity.
New jihadist groups, such as Lakurawa, are emerging, exacerbating the situation with improved armaments and advanced strategies. Nigeria was ranked seventh in the 2025 World Watch List, highlighting the severity of the crisis facing the Christian community there.
The article outlines the alarming situation regarding the safety of Christian communities in Nigeria, highlighting recent kidnappings and violence perpetrated by suspected Fulani herdsmen and other extremist groups. The ongoing threat to religious minorities underscores the need for heightened awareness and concerted efforts to address rising violence and secure protection for these vulnerable populations. Reports indicate Nigeria’s significant challenges regarding religious freedoms and safety, marking it as one of the most perilous places for Christians worldwide.
Original Source: morningstarnews.org
