Christian Entity Decries Killing of Nine Family Members as Violence Escalates in Central, Northwest Nigeria

CSW officials find it regrettable that the attack occurred despite the presence of security officers from several agencies in the area.

Survivors alleged that the security officers had failed to respond to early warning signs after men arrived en masse at a nearby Fulani settlement aboard five pickup trucks.

However, others also commended some of the army units for standing their ground and preventing an even higher death toll. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Division, who visited mourners in Bindi, promised to increase security in the area.

Plateau State governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who also visited the area, is said to have released a statement in which he acknowledged the efforts of some among the security forces, but stressed that those failing in their duty to protect must be identified and removed.

Mr. Manasseh is said to have given an assurance that his government would ‘deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide. He said, “This is not a case of farmer-herder conflict. This is terrorism; this is genocide, plain and simple.”

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Since September 2024, at least 73 people have reportedly lost their lives in the Bindi community amid sustained attacks on Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs that have left hundreds, if not thousands, dead.

The July 17 CSW report also refers to the July 11 attack in Kaduna State, where five people were killed and three injured in broad daylight during a meeting in the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) building in Kampani Village, Maro, situated on the main Kaduna-Kachia Highway in Kajuru LGA.

According to the report, Eyewitnesses reported that militia men invaded the premises at around 3.30 pm and began attacking those present. Assistance from the security services did not arrive until 9.20 pm.

In the report, CSW has also referred to the July 7 attack on the  Yari Bori community in Kafur LGA, Katsina State, in which the Baptist church leader and a church member were killed, and the wife of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor was abducted.

Following the attacks in the three states located in Central and Northwest Nigeria, CSW’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Scot Bower, condemned the attacks, saying, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in these recent attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, and Katsina States.”

“The scale of loss being experienced by families and communities in these areas is simply staggering,” Mr. Bower said.

He added, “We concur with Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s assessment of this violence echoes his call for those in the security services who fail in their duty to protect civilians from this militia threat to be identified and dismissed.”

“We urge the government of Kaduna State to secure and protect Kajuru and other LGAs that continue to experience attacks, which can only be described as terrorism, that began under the previous administration, and to ensure perpetrators are held to account,” Mr. Bower said. 

He also urges the Katsina State government to continue to call for the government of Nigeria to recognize that the “scale of the crimes being perpetrated in these areas requires a comprehensive national security response.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.