Source:  www.persecution.org

Date:  November 20, 2023


 
Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – Suspected Fulani militants recently attacked two rural Christian communities in Nigeria, killing a 48-year-old pastor-farmer, and kidnapping his wife while demanding a ransom of one million Naira (about $1,200 U.S. dollars). 

The 40-year-old widow with seven children was released after three nights and a smaller ransom paid. A local community leader in Damakasuwa told an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer that over the past two months, Fulani militants have regularly attacked the community in Damakasuwa, northeast of the Kauru LGA (Local Government Area) in Kaduna State. 

“The Fulani militants killed Reverend Amako Maraya,” a church leader of the Evangelical Church Winning All told ICC. “He is my pastor. Last Sunday before he was killed, he preached about forgiveness.” The leader pleaded with the government to do more to protect the community from attacks that have killed dozens of people. 

In Plateau State, suspected Fulani militants killed a 27-year-old vegetable farmer in Mangu County on Thursday, Nov. 16. Over the past year, hundreds of Christians have been killed in this region, and many homes destroyed. 

In October, the women’s wing of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, told reporters in Kaduna City that 27 women and four boys were kidnapped by the Fulani militants. 

HOW TO PRAY: Continue to pray for Christians who are suffering in the Middle Belt in Nigeria, pray for the widow of Amako Maraya and the anguish of losing her husband who will be buried this Saturday.