Armed Fulani elements have been spotted crossing from Nasarawa into Benue State, targeting communities in Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, and Gwer-West. Similar movements have been reported towards Plateau and Taraba States, where recent attacks have claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands.
The situation is dire, with over 52,250 Christians killed in Nigeria since 2009, making it the world’s center of Christian martyrs. In 2025 alone, at least 7,000 Christians were killed, averaging 35 deaths per day. The Middle Belt region has been particularly affected, with 85 Christians killed in Benue State in just one week in June 2025.
Benue State has seen 85 Christians killed in a week, with 672 villages sacked. Plateau State has recorded 2,630 killed, with many communities displaced. Taraba State has also experienced attacks claiming dozens of lives and displacing thousands. The violence is often attributed to Fulani herdsmen targeting Christian communities. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its response, with accusations of being slow to act.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
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Here’s an update on the situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region:
*Violence Against Christians*
Over 7,087 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone, averaging 32 deaths per day. Benue State is the worst hit, with at least 1,100 Christian killings, including the Yelewata massacre that left 280 Christians dead ¹.
*Armed Fulani Elements*
Armed Fulani elements have been spotted crossing into Benue, Plateau, and Taraba States, targeting Christian communities. In response, authorities have arrested some Fulani herdsmen:
– 11 armed Fulani herdsmen were arrested in Benue State in June 2025 for cattle rustling.
– Over 3,500 Fulani are reportedly in detention across Nigeria.
*Displacement and Destruction*
The violence has led to widespread displacement, with:
– Over 50 Benue communities displaced by armed herdsmen.
– 19,100 churches destroyed and over 1,100 Christian communities displaced since 2009.
– 20,000 square miles of land seized.
An update on the number of arrested Fulani herdsmen:
– *36 armed Fulani herdsmen* were arrested at a checkpoint in Keffi, Nasarawa State, and handed over to the Nasarawa State Police Command in 2016.
– *56 Fulani herdsmen* were also arrested with arms along the Airport Road, Abuja, but there’s a dispute between the police and army over their whereabouts.
– *11 armed Fulani herdsmen* were arrested in Benue State in June 2025, foiling a cattle rustling attempt.
– *28 suspects*, including Fulani herdsmen, were arrested by Amotekun in Ondo State, with stolen cattle recovered and returned to the herdsmen.
– *2 herdsmen* and 200 cows were arrested by Amotekun in Ondo State in 2021.
– *Bello Bodejo*, leader of a Fulani herdsmen group, was arrested in 2024 for forming an illegal militia.
– Over *3,500 Fulani* are reportedly in detention across Nigeria, according to GAFDAN
