14 Citizens of Hamlet North of Jos Killed by Fulani Gunmen
By Lawrence Zongo
(Jos) The holiday season in Rido, a small hamlet in Riyom County, 22 miles from Jos, Plateau State, turned tragic as armed groups carried out a devastating attack on the local Christian community. On the night of December 23, 14 unarmed civilians, including a pregnant woman and a one-year-old baby girl, were brutally murdered.
The massacre underscores the ongoing violence targeting the Irigwe tribe in North-Central Nigeria, largely attributed to Fulani Ethnic Militias.
The community, which has a population of about 1,000 Christian residents, was attacked shortly after a Christmas carol service at the denominational church of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Witnesses revealed that the attackers exploited the cover of darkness to carry out their assault. Local leader Wuna Gado expressed frustration over unheeded warnings.
The Fulani tribe is one of the major ethnic groups in West African, claiming as many as 10 million members in Nigeria. A subgroup of the tribe has been linked to unprovoked massacres of tens of thousands of unarmed people, during the last 10 years, according to the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) and the Observatory of Freedom of Religions’ quadrennial report.
“I informed the Nigerian army stationed at a checkpoint, just 1 kilometer away, around 4:00 p.m., after noticing suspicious Fulani activity in the area,” Gado said. “But the army refused to protect us. My house was attacked first before the assailants moved to another compound, killing 12 people, including a pregnant mother and a one-year-old girl, and two more in a different house.” Gado also revealed that the attackers looted homes, stealing tin ore and money.
The attack left families shattered, with victims buried in a mass funeral on Monday, Dec. 23rd. Among them were baby Sheba Ernest and her mother, Mary Stephen. Survivors are receiving medical care, but the community remains in urgent need of support for healing and recovery.
Since 2016, More than 2,000 Christians have been killed in similar attacks, according to Irigwe tribal sources. The latest assault, timed immediately following a religious celebration, illustrates the vulnerability of the Irigwe tribe, which is known to be overwhelmingly Christian. The Irigwe people, a predominantly Christian tribe approximately 70,000 strong, have faced ongoing adversity, including violence and displacement by Fulani Ethnic Militias.
The U.S State Department in its annual reports has downplayed the sectarian nature of the attacks, attributing them to “communal clashes” or “farmer-herder clashes,” a view disputed by ICON, ORFA, Equipping the Persecuted, and many non-profits that dispense aid to victims of the attacks.
Community members criticized security forces for negligence, with some even accusing them of complicity with the attackers. Local leaders are now advocating for public discussion in order to restore trust and improve safety measures.
The violence has disrupted livelihoods, including farming and mining activities, leaving families grappling with severe hardships. Looted homes and destroyed properties have exacerbated the community’s plight. Despite the challenges, the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) has called for unity and patience.
Sam Jugo, the IDA National Publicity Secretary, expressed sorrow over the killings and urged security agencies to act swiftly to restore peace. “The need for justice and sustainable peace cannot be overstated,” he said.
During the mass burial, Ezekiel Bini, National Leader of Plateau Youth Nationality, urged the community to prioritize self-defense. “Defend yourself and don’t depend on the Nigerian army,” Bini declared. “Kill anyone that wants to kill you.”
Rev. Ayuba Kasa an ECWA clergyman, officiated the burial and urged mourners to find solace in their faith. “Look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” he said. “Don’t trust the Nigerian army; prepare your life for Jesus because death will come at any time.” He also advised Christians to avoid late-night outings and abstain from alcohol.
The persistent violence in the Middle Belt Nigerian states has drawn international condemnation. Kyle Abts, Executive Director of ICON, decried the lack of government action. “Tragedies like these need to stop!” said Abts. “The Nigerian government has failed these Christian communities for far too long.”
ICON, which Abts co-founded, continues to advocate for justice and protection for persecuted groups in Nigeria. Their efforts aim to raise global awareness about the atrocities and push for effective measures to safeguard vulnerable communities.
As the holiday season unfolds, the Irigwe people reflect on their losses but remain steadfast in their resolve to rebuild. Their resilience is a testament to the need for collaborative and sustainable solutions to address the conflict in Nigeria.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), attended the graveside observance Monday morning. The General promised to investigate and arrest the suspected attackers and cautioned the community not to take the law into their own hands. Gado told the mourners their bets option was self-defense.
“We don’t want Nigeria army in our community again. Allow us to defend ourselves,” Gado said.
Lawrence Zongo is a human rights activist, and a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria
