Sectarian Motive? Growing Trend of Attacks Targeting Christian Communities
By Mike Odeh James
(Katsina) A night of terror gripped a Christian-majority village in southern Katsina State when armed Fulani terrorists stormed Bege Baptist Church, killing two worshippers and abducting a woman.
The peaceful atmosphere of Yaribori, in Kafur Local Government Area, was shattered on Monday night, July 7, 2025, when about 15 to 20 gunmen rode in on motorcycles and attacked a church fellowship.
The assailants shot and killed Reverend Emmanuel Na’allah, the church’s pastor, and Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro, a visiting worshipper. They abducted a woman, whose identity was not confirmed at press time.
The attack was reported by Katsina-based journalist and insecurity tracker, Bakatsine, via his verified X handle, according to Leadership Nigeria.
Yaribori: A Community at a Crossroads
Yaribori (also spelled Yari-Bori) is a farming community in southern Kafur LGA, Katsina State, roughly 40 miles south of Katsina city. Though majority Muslim, about 40 percent of the population is Christian.
The village is home to several congregations, including:
· Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)
· Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
· Hausa Evangelical Church of Africa in Nigeria (HEKAN)
· Methodist Church Nigeria
· Roman Catholic Church
Most residents survive through small-scale farming and livestock rearing. Despite economic hardship, Yaribori had maintained a fragile peace between its religious communities—until now.
Witness Accounts: ‘They Came with Fury’
Emmanuel Dauda, a 45-year-old resident, told TruthNigeria the attack unfolded without warning during a late-night worship service.
No attacks on a mosque or on Muslim residents was reported during the terrorist invasion of the village.
“The attackers shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ and ‘Death to infidels,’” Dauda said. “They came in shooting. The pastor told us to stay calm and hide, but they reached him first and shot him at the altar.”
Another eyewitness, who requested anonymity, added: “Reverend Na’allah stood between them and us. They killed him without mercy and dragged a woman away.”
When asked how they identified the attackers as Fulani, Dauda said, “We Hausas know our own accent, and the Fulanis have theirs. Even when they speak Hausa or English, we can tell.”
Victims of Faith and Courage
Reverend Emmanuel Na’allah was widely respected for his role in bridging religious divides. Known for preaching peace amid rising violence, he was a strong advocate for Christian-Muslim dialogue.
“He wasn’t just a pastor,” said Musa Likita, a local farmer. “He was a fearless voice for unity. He worked with Muslim youth and never stopped speaking out against violence.”
Na’allah had reportedly received threats from Fulani extremists in recent years, but he refused to be silenced. “If I must die, let it be in the service of God and peace,” he once told his congregation.
Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro, though bearing a Muslim name, was a devout Christian convert and one of the earliest in Yaribori. His conversion had been both controversial and impactful.
“He understood both sides,” Likita said. “And he worked quietly to heal the rift between communities.”
Rising Tide of Violence in Katsina
An investigation by TruthNigeria reveals a growing pattern of attacks targeting Christian communities in Katsina State.
In 2022, Catholic priests were kidnapped in Kafur.
In 2023, 25 worshippers were abducted from New Life Church in Kankara.
In 2024, mobs looted churches in Daura and Katsina town.
Global Mission Church reported the abduction of 28 women and children.
Despite repeated attacks, security agencies have failed to respond effectively. Perpetrators operate with impunity, and many Christian residents say they feel abandoned by the state.
“They killed our leaders,” Dauda said. “But they cannot kill the message. Reverend Na’allah and Mallam Samaila planted seeds of faith and unity. Even if watered with blood, they will grow.”
Mike Odeh James is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
