Pregnant woman killed in 'horrific' attacks on Christians during coronavirus lockdown

Fulani militants have attacked numerous villages and murdered their inhabitants. World Watch Monitor

Christians in central Nigeria have fallen victim to "horrific, opportunistic" attacks by armed radicals during the coronavirus lockdown.

Open Doors said that at least 32 people, including a pregnant woman, had been killed in raids on villages in two states north of capital Abuja. 

Three people were killed and several others seriously injured when suspected Fulani militants launched a night-time raid on the community of Ancha in Plateau State on April 1. 

Many were left without anywhere to stay after the militants set fire to at least 17 homes.

On March 30, at least 10 Christians were killed when Islamist militants went on the rampage in villages in Plateau State and Kaduna state.

The attacks occurred at a time when many people were staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

"These are horrific, opportunistic attacks on people who are defenceless in their homes during lockdown," said Jo Newhouse, regional spokesperson Open Doors.

"The Government needs to ensure the safety of all Nigerians during the Covid-19 lockdowns and to address the impunity with which attacks like these continue.

"If people are going to stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, they need to feel safe from terrible attacks like this."

Sunay Abdul, a community leader in Ancha, told the organisation that the attackers "burnt houses at random", as well as cars. 

"There were so many [attackers] that nobody could resist them," he said.

Another community leader, Nuhu Nkali, expressed anger towards security agents, saying that the bloodshed "could have been prevented". 

"We don't know what we have done to warrant this wickedness against our people," said Nkali.

"The community made efforts to alert security agents, but nothing was done to prevent it."

News
Nigerian faith leaders call for interfaith reconciliation to end violence
Nigerian faith leaders call for interfaith reconciliation to end violence

Nigeria is the deadliest country in the world for Christians.

Businessman and peer Lord Edmiston reflects on faith, stewardship and global mission
Businessman and peer Lord Edmiston reflects on faith, stewardship and global mission

The successful businessman and peer said he was driven by evangelism, not the creation of wealth for its own sake.

Greek Orthodox Church in Britain baptises 250 people
Greek Orthodox Church in Britain baptises 250 people

The church said that many of those baptised had been guided into the faith through its Discover Orthodoxy programme.

Kemi Badenoch pledges to restore historic church funding scheme
Kemi Badenoch pledges to restore historic church funding scheme

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was formally closed at the end of March but ran out of money before that after its budget was cut.