African governments urged to restore displaced communities and protect vulnerable villages
The United States has condemned a recent spate of deadly attacks on Christians in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, describing the violence as “horrific” and pledging to work with global partners to address it. The condemnation follows the killing of 27 Christians in Bindi Ta-hoss, Plateau State, by Islamist Fulani militants. Survivors said many victims, including women and children, were burned alive while sheltering in a church. “I lost my wife and second daughter in the attack,” said survivor Solomon Sunday.
On July 27, 49 worshippers were butchered with machetes in eastern DR Congo. Authorities blamed Islamist militants from the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces. Human rights groups say the violence amounts to “ethno-religious cleansing.”
According to Open Doors, Nigeria records more Christian deaths than the rest of the world combined. Over 64 communities in Plateau State have been seized by militants.
Advocates urge African governments to act decisively. “The Western world needs to wake up and be outraged,” said Henrietta Blyth of Open Doors UK.