In Benue State, central Nigeria, armed militiamen from the Fulani ethnic group killed at least five Christians and wounded a woman in separate attacks
The incidents occurred in the Apa and Ukum areas and are part of a pattern of violence that has caused insecurity, displacement, and humanitarian concern in the country’s Middle Belt region.
In the community of Ikobi, in Apa, three farmers-Imewa Audu, Idris Isah, and a man known as Mossy-were ambushed and killed while working on their farms on the Ikobi-Odugbo road on June 2, 2026. A fourth victim, a woman named Ochoje Joseph Echoda, was seriously injured and is receiving treatment at a hospital in the neighboring area of “”Agatu.
Francis Enogela, a local resident, said that about 12 heavily armed Fulani terrorists attacked the workers.
He lamented that, despite the presence of nearby military and police bases, such as the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, the attacks continue and residents live in fear.
In another attack, in the village of Tse-Hwembe, in Ukum, two hunters were murdered.
Ngenev Varvar Ayati, 50 years old and father of nine children, and Mkeghter Depav, 40 years old and father of two, went hunting near the village and did not return.
A relative, the elder Bartholomew Bede, confirmed the deaths and asked for humanitarian aid for the widows and children who were left without providers.
The coverage of these crimes by the Nigerian mainstream media was very small, which generates criticism that the frequent attacks against Christian communities in the region are underreported.
Experts in religious freedom and human rights consider Benue to be one of the main hotspots of violence against Christians in the country.
International reports, such as that of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, point to the actions of Fulani militias as a major factor in human rights violations and instability.
Security analyst Christopher Ahangba Ayati, Director of Information at the Ministry of Benue, warned that these killings demonstrate the vulnerability of rural Christian populations.
He highlighted that armed groups exploit difficult terrain, lack of intelligence, and slow responses to attack isolated communities.
According to him, the violence affects not only security but also food production, as farmers are afraid to work the land, which could worsen hunger and poverty in one of Nigeria’s most important agricultural regions.
While families bury their loved ones, residents of Benue are calling for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
Published in 06/05/2026 13h40
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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