20 Nigerian churches destroyed during violent March

Christian cleric calls on military to thwart ‘barbaric’ campaign

More than 20 churches have been destroyed by Fulani herdsmen during attacks on communities in Benue State, Nigeria.

The attacks in Nigeria’s "Middle Belt" started early in March but resumed March 23 in the town of Gbajimba, in the Guma Local Government Area. The attacks have claimed more than 100 lives of local Christian farmers of the Tiv tribe.

Benue State is 95 percent Christian, and the rest mostly Muslim.

Benue Gov. Gabriel Suswam on March 11 escaped injury when his convoy was ambushed by Fulani herdsmen who engaged his security aides in gunfire at one of the affected villages in the Guma area.

The Muslim Fulani, believed to be from neighbouring states, have attacked a number of communities, killing Tiv farmers and setting their houses ablaze. Keep reading