Following a period of relative calm, violence resumed in Plateau state with Fulani herdsmen primarily targeting Christian farmers in Nigeria's Middle Belt. Advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC) quoted experts as saying that the militant Muslim group
"killed more people than those committed previously by the notorious Boko Haram terrorists."
Right group Stefanos Foundation, which works in Nigeria, said attacks against Christian communities in September and October killed some
75 people in 12 villages. Also, 489 homes were burned and, 3,726 people were reportedly displaced, aid workers said.
The attacks continued to claim more lives last month. "On November 30, at least four more people were fatally injured after Fulani herdsmen, who were armed with guns, opened fire at a mining site in Jol village in Riyom Local Government Area," VOMC claimed.
And, during the early hours of November 13, two men, Christopher Dung and Bulus Dantoro, were ambushed and killed in Wereng village
[also] of Riyom Local Government Area," the group recalled.
NINE SHOT DEAD
A week earlier, nine others were reportedly shot dead and four more injured as they returned from a weekly village market in the same government area. The injured victims identified the attackers as Fulani militants.
On December 8 Christian leaders from the Church of Christ in Nations said they were told that those responsible for the attacks have been detained, though officials have not publicly identified them as Fulani herdsmen.
Authorities reportedly say they are investigating, but devoted Christians have appealed for more protection in especially Muslim-dominated areas of the country where militants have in some cases urged Christian communities to either leave or accept Islamic practices.
VOMC said it had urged its supporters to "prayerfully uphold the many injured and displaced victims of the recent targeted attacks --
those who have suffered immensely at the hands of the perpetrators" so that "amidst of their pain and heartache, God may demonstrate His
loving kindness by ministering greatly needed healing, provision, comfort, and strength."