Dear Supporters & Partners,
I come to you with a heavy heart and an urgent plea. The situation in Ayati, Benue State, Nigeria, is desperate. This community, once full of life and hope, is now overwhelmed by suffering and loss. Relentless attacks by Fulani terrorists have turned Ayati into a place of unimaginable despair, and the people there need our help more than ever. (Click here to give and help the people of Ayati.)
Over 60 lives have been brutally extinguished, and 35,000 inhabitants have fled in terror, leaving behind a ghost town shrouded in fear and despair. This once-thriving community, located 196 kilometers (122 miles) northeast of Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, is now a deadly territory. The mere mention of Ayati sends shivers down the spine, as even the bravest souls dare not tread there.
Our Truth Nigeria reporter, Mike Odeh James, recently risked his life to visit Ayati and interview the survivors. Among those he spoke to were two remarkable priests, Rev. Father Jacob Ankaau and Rev. Father Shimo Terlumun, who have shown extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Rev. Father Jacob Ankaau shared the heartbreaking story of how his own father, a 67-year-old elder in the church and a retired teacher, was kidnapped by Fulani terrorists. Despite a ransom demand of 25 million Naira, Rev. Father Ankaau refused to give in, knowing it would only endanger more lives. Tragically, his father was subjected to inhuman treatment and died in captivity, his body buried far from home. “I’ve vowed to keep his legacy alive,” Rev. Father Ankaau said with resolve. “Doing the works of the Lord in Ayati and securing the lives of people by praying for them and offering them hope is enough motivation for me.”
Rev. Shimo Terlumun, from the NKST Church (Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar, translated as the Universal Reformed Christian Church), also recounted the horrors his community has endured. “Our people have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they’ve ever known,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “The recent attacks on July 2 and August 8, 2024, have left our community in ruins. Over 50 churches, including our beloved church, lie in ruins, a stark reminder of the brutality we’ve faced.”
Despite the overwhelming fear and devastation, Rev. Father Terlumun is determined to return to Ayati. “Our faithful are too afraid to return, and I don’t blame them. But as their spiritual leader, I cannot abandon them in their darkest hour. I will return to Ayati, reopen the church, and offer what little shelter I can to those who have lost everything. It’s the least I can do to help my people in their time of need.”
The weight of his words is a poignant plea for help and support. The people of Ayati, once a thriving community, now teeter on the brink of extinction, their lives forever scarred by the brutality of the Fulani herders’ attacks.
In response to this crisis, Equipping the Persecuted has been on the ground, providing critical relief to those affected. Recently, our team conducted an outreach in the Borikyo ward, distributing essential items such as soaps, mosquito nets, and detergents, and offering free medical treatment to those in desperate need. This relief effort, led by our representative Mr. Paul Ayati, brought much-needed hope to the displaced residents. Community leaders, including Rev. Terlumun and Chief Myaga Unongo, expressed their deep gratitude for our timely support and encouraged others to follow our example.
We are also working tirelessly to bring the orphans from Ayati to our orphanage, where they will receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives. Thanks to your generosity, we have already raised $30,000 towards our $150,000 goal for the month of August. But there is still much more to be done.
We urgently need your prayers and financial support to continue our life-saving work. Please prayerfully consider making a generous donation to help us reach our goal. Your contribution will go directly towards providing essential supplies, medical care, and spiritual support to those who have lost everything.
Thank you for standing with us in this critical time. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering and bring hope to the hopeless.
Blessings,
Judd Saul
Founder & President
Please share this urgent update with your friends and family. The people of Ayati need our help, and together, we can ensure they are not forgotten.
