More Than 30 Christians Reportedly Killed in Month-Long Violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State

More Than 30 Christians Reportedly Killed in Month-Long Violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State Plateau State, Nigeria — September 10, 2026: More than 30 Christians have reportedly been killed in a series of violent attacks across Mangu County in Nigeria’s Plateau State during the past month, according to local residents and community leaders. The latest reported attacks took place on September 5, when three Christians were killed in the communities of Fungtim and Kinat. Local resident Leo Lawrence attributed the attacks to suspected Fulani militants. Two additional deaths were reported on September 3 in Kinat and Kop-Naanle villages. Community leader Tubwot Sunday identified the victims as 78-year-old Bulus Danladi and 33-year-old Kwopnaan Lot Yunana. Major Attack in Bin-Per One of the deadliest incidents occurred on August 18 in Bin-Per, a predominantly Christian village in Mangu County. Local residents reported that 25 Christians were killed during an overnight attack that began in the early hours of the morning. Jeremiah Dakahap, spokesman for the Mangu Local Government Council, confirmed the death toll. Residents said several others were seriously injured and that homes were set on fire. Farmland and crops were also reportedly destroyed. According to local accounts, many of those killed were women and children. The victims were reportedly buried together, while injured people were taken to medical facilities in Jos for treatment. Concerns Over Security Forces Community leaders have also raised questions about the conduct of security personnel during the violence. Jonathan Yusuf, a community leader, alleged that soldiers deployed to Sabon Layi on August 18 shot and killed a Christian who was participating in a protest over the recent attacks. Yusuf also reported the death of Fwangshak Dawuk, who he said was killed while helping to protect his community from suspected attacks by armed herders. Community representatives rejected claims that Dawuk was a member of a militia and described him instead as someone involved in local community vigilance. They have called for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Homes and Farmland Destroyed The violence has reportedly affected both lives and livelihoods. Community leader Jonathan Yusuf said 20-year-old Moses Emmanuel Panse was killed in Murish village on August 12. He also reported that 38 houses were burned in Jwak Maitumbi on the same day and that farmland and crops were damaged. Local leaders have warned that the repeated attacks are creating fear among residents while threatening the ability of farming families to maintain their livelihoods. They are calling on authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killings, destruction of property and attacks on communities. Authorities Respond Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau State police command, said that some suspects connected with attacks in the Mangu area had been arrested. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also visited some affected communities and condemned the violence. He assured residents that the government would work to protect their communities and their right to remain on their land. The continuing violence in Mangu is part of wider security concerns affecting several parts of Nigeria, particularly communities in the country's Middle Belt. Wider Concern for Christians in Nigeria Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List reported that Nigeria recorded the highest number of Christians killed for their faith during its reporting period, with 3,490 reported deaths out of 4,849 Christians killed worldwide. Nigeria was ranked seventh among the countries where Christians face the greatest difficulties. The situation in Nigeria is complex. Researchers and observers have pointed to several factors behind the violence, including extremist activity, communal tensions, disputes over land and resources, organised crime, weak security and ethnic and religious tensions. While some attacks have been attributed to armed Fulani groups, the Fulani are a large and diverse population, and it would be inaccurate to associate the entire Fulani community with extremist violence. Some armed groups identified as Fulani militants have, however, been accused of attacking predominantly Christian farming communities. For residents of Mangu County, the immediate priority remains security, justice and protection from further attacks. Community leaders are urging authorities to investigate the reported killings, hold perpetrators accountable and strengthen security measures to prevent further loss of life.