4 Christmas carolers killed in Fulani attacks in Nigeria

Four Christians were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani militants while they were holding Christmas carols in Southern Kaduna, Nigeria.

According to human rights organization International Christian Concern (ICC), the incident took place barely 48 hours before Christmas in Nimden village. Armed men reportedly attacked the carolers at around 10 p.m., killing four and injuring 10 others. The four Christians killed were identified as Jude Haruna, Turaki Dauda, Kaffi Ali, and Amos Musa.

Local pastor Gideon Mutum confirmed the attack, noting that it happened "during an interdenominational carol that comes every Christmas with Bible quiz, drama, songs and preaching." He went on to say that those critically injured were receiving treatment at different hospitals.

The Southern Kaduna People's Union (SOKAPU) denounced the attack in a statement, saying: "We have once again come under unprovoked and gruesome attack two days before Christmas. This has left us wondering why people who had gathered peacefully for joyful Christmas carols in their village should be gunned down for no reasons."

The Southern Kaduna Progressive Youth Forum (SOKAYUF) National Chairman Andrew Kure also released a statement describing the attack "barbaric, wicked, and inhuman" and one that "should be condemned by all people of good conscience."

Kure commended the response of the authorities, noting that arrests have already been made in connection with the attacks.

While Kure praised the authorities for its response, some human rights advocates have called on the Nigerian government to do more to protect Christian communities.

"The government in Nigeria must find a way to control the rampaging Fulani militants who have wreaked havoc on Christian farmers in central Nigeria," ICC regional manager Nathan Johnson said in a statement.

"The devastation that they have wrought has left hundreds dead, and thousands without homes. If they are left unchecked, many more Christians will be left wondering, 'When will it be me?'" he added.

ICC noted that Fulani herdsmen have carried out more than 100 attacks against Christian villagers in Nigeria's Middle Belt this year, leaving more than 200 Christians massacred. Southern Kaduna, where the latest incident took place, has been one of the central locations of violence in the country, according to the human rights organization.

Last year, Fulani militants reportedly launched a similar attack on Christmas Eve in Goska village, killing five women and burning down several houses.

Open Doors USA has ranked Nigeria in the 2017 World Watch List as the 12th-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution.