A Fulani community elder in Plateau State has publicly admitted that his tribesmen carried out deadly attacks that claimed the lives of 46 Christians, despite his efforts to dissuade them. The devastating incident unfolded as assailants stormed Christian-majority villages, leaving a trail of destruction and mourning in their wake.
The Fulani elder, whose identity has not been withheld, spoke candidly about the tragedy, lamenting, “I pleaded with my people to reconsider, but they refused. Despite my appeals, the attack took place and 46 Christians were killed.” The elder’s statement highlights the profound sense of helplessness among moderate community leaders amid escalating violence, where dialogue and mediation have failed to stem the tide of bloodshed.
Local accounts confirm that during the invasion, no Muslim or Fulani resident was harmed, underscoring what officials and witnesses describe as the religious motivation behind the attacks. Survivors and witnesses report that the attackers meticulously targeted homes and churches, setting them ablaze and shooting at anyone who attempted to escape. “They were chasing people and shooting sporadically—whoever they caught up with was killed,” recounted a survivor, highlighting the calculated nature of the assault.
In the aftermath, religious and civil society leaders have renewed calls for reconciliation, justice, and urgent security interventions. According to community representatives, the attack reflects a wider pattern of violence across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where Christian farming communities are increasingly caught in the crossfire of ethno-religious conflict. The elder voiced his grief, saying, “This is not what our people should be known for. We need peace, not endless revenge and killing.”
National human rights organisations have condemned the violence, with advocates urging the government to prosecute perpetrators and address the deep-rooted tensions fueling repeated clashes. The elder’s frank admission, coupled with the scale of the tragedy, has prompted renewed scrutiny of security failures and the daunting challenge of restoring peace in the region.
