Fulani Militants Kill 13 Christians in Benue State, Nigeria
Ochi Igbade, one of the four Christians killed in attack on Otobi Akpa village. Photo: Inside BENUE News/Facebook
ABUJA, NIGERIA — In January 2026, violent attacks by Islamic Fulani herdsmen in central Nigeria’s Benue State left at least 13 Christians dead. On January 1, four Christians were shot in their homes in Otobi Akpa village, Otukpo district, while dozens more went missing. Additional attacks on January 5 and 6 claimed nine lives in surrounding districts, including five farmers in Kwande County and four members of one family in Guma County.
Local authorities describe the assaults as increasingly routine, with armed Fulani targeting predominantly Christian villages, destroying homes and crops, and displacing residents. Community leaders and Christian observers link the violence to radical Islamist elements among the Fulani, alleging that the attacks aim to seize land and drive Christians from central Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Middle Belt continues to be a flashpoint for anti-Christian violence, compounded by the presence of jihadist groups and weak federal enforcement, leaving Christian communities particularly vulnerable to raids, killings, and property destruction.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Islamists killed 5 and kidnapped 110 Christians in Nigeria.
Read also
Synod of Cyprus Extends Paphos Locum Tenens, Moves to Redraft Charter
Holy Synod cites legal ambiguities in Church statute, forms constituent committee; Archbishop Georgios to remain interim head of Paphos until revisions are completed.
'Live in Peace': Ukrainian Orthodox School Director Issues Open Letter After Media Report Triggers Harassment
Following a controversial investigation into the Perspektiva parents’ club in Kyiv, director Anna Bolgova publicly addresses the journalist she says distorted facts, as authorities open a criminal case and online attacks intensify.
Global Persecution of Christians Hits 388 Million in 2025
In 2025, over 388 million Christians worldwide faced severe persecution, with thousands killed, imprisoned, or displaced, according to Open Doors’ annual World Watch List.
Fulani Militants Kill 13 Christians in Benue State, Nigeria
Islamic Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s Benue State killed 13 Christians in January 2026, targeting villages to seize land and displace residents.
Abp. John Reflects on His Return to Albania’s Orthodox Church
Abp. John of Albania recounted his return from the U.S. to serve his homeland’s Orthodox Church, emphasizing faith, perseverance, and rebuilding both hearts and institutions after decades of atheism.
Abp. Ephrem Consecrates St. Gabriel Fool-for-Christ Church in Georgian Village
A new church dedicated to St. Gabriel was consecrated in Khatisopeli by Abp. Ephrem of Bolnisi, celebrating the faith and generosity of the local Orthodox community.