In late May 2025, violence hit Nigeria’s center and east, when Islamist extremists including radical Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani fighters carried out an organized assault on mostly Christian villages. In different parts of the country, more than 100 civilians were killed in several attacks that seem to be revenge for recent testimonies by Christians against the administration. The attacks have allowed new worries to arise in fellow survivors and overseas observers about an aggressive use of religion in acts of terrorism.
/*Coordinated Attacks Across States*/
On May 24–25, insurgents attacked locations in the three places: Benue, Taraba, and Plateau. Reports say that in Gwer West, Benue, 40 Christians were executed; the Munga villages in Taraba were also attacked, with 42 Christians losing their lives; and in Plateau State’s Bokkos County, a lot more Christians lost their life in raids targeting those who sought shelter in rural places. Review of the ongoing investigations shows the attackers came back to areas where funerals were taking place to kill the mourners, adding to their harsh methods.
/*Connection to Bishop’s U.S. Testimony*/
Lawmakers in the United States heard Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi talk about the failure of the Nigerian government to protect Christians against false accusations by Islamists, just before the stream of attacks started. Reports say that some groups or individuals deliberate harmed his home village by stealing and killing its people, possibly as retribution for his support from overseas
/*Scope of Casualties & Displacement*/
A report by Open Doors Canada shares that in a series of quiet attacks, more than 100 people lost their lives, and thousands of others were forced out of their homes.
Fulani herdsman violence left 68 people dead in the mainly Christian Gwer West County of Nigeria in the past two weeks, and 18 more people, including community leaders, were murdered on Sunday (June 1) in Tse Antswam, near Naka town, according to those living there.
The person leading the local community, Daniel Abomtse, stated that those involved were Fulani herdsmen.
“The Tse Antswam village in Nigeria was the scene of a deadly attack on Sunday against 18 Christians. While some people were killed by guns, others were butchered and houses were burned, said Abomtse.
Victor Ormini, the chairman of the Gwer West Local Government Council, texted Christian Daily International-Morning Star News due to his worries over the attack.
A week ago, we lost many Christians because of violence, and sadly, the killing of additional Christians is happening now.
Christian Daily International and Morning Star News report on the deaths occurring throughout Plateau, and state that these acts follow a pattern of deadly attacks against Christians in the area . The number of those forced out of their homes is huge, since families and entire communities have chosen to retreat into wilderness or shelters in dangerous areas.
/*Militants Behind the Carnage*/
There are many different extremist organizations involved at the same time. It is common for Fulani militias, many of whom hold radical Islamist ideas, to be held responsible for killing Christians, stealing farms, and forcing them to leave the area . Likewise, Boko Haram’s JAS branch is carrying out many attacks that harm people, including the mass killings that took place in Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi last month in Borno State, where at least 57 villagers were slaughtered . It is reported that extremists use religious and ethnic stress to seize more lands and carry out acts of terror.
/*State Response & International Reaction*/
Army and police forces have tried limited actions, however, what they do rarely brings down the rising violence. There were some deployments in Plateau, but those who survived say they did not have protection for long periods . Attacks in Nigeria have been criticized by Amnesty International and religious freedom champions, who ask for justice and more security to prevent future attacks . As religiously based massacres increase, the observers of the UN and African Union are growing more disturbed about stability in the region.