Christian villagers flee after Muslim attacks in Nigeria

Chiqui Guyjoco Saturday, June 04, 2016

Residents flee from the Christian villages in Kaduna state of Nigeria fearing threats of another attack by Muslim Fulani herdsmen who assaulted the Christian homes and killed three people on Tuesday, May 31.

Naomi Sali, a 45-year-old survivor of the Fulani's most recent attack and resident of the nearby Andaha village, said that Tuesday's attack prompted residents to leave the Christian villages of Dangwa, Nandu, Zakkan, Farin Hauwa 1 and 2, Mante, Gada Biyu, Golkofa, Angwan Anjo, and Akwa.

A security barrier marks the scene of a car bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church (background) at Madalla, Suleja, just outside Nigeria's capital Abuja, December 25, 2011. | REUTERS/AFOLABI SOTUNDE

Sali also reported that 40-year-old Zakka Kagoma and two unidentified Christians were killed in their houses when the militant herdsmen attacked Ninte village, Jema'a Local Government Area at about 2 a.m that day. The herdsmen also burned some of the houses, including a pastor's house.

"There were gunshots throughout the night as we hid in the bushes," Sali told Morning Star News.

She added, "They burned down houses, and set fire to the house of the pastor of ECWA [Evangelical Church Winning All] Church-Ninte, the Rev. Saleh Yamusa. He escaped with his family unhurt before the Fulani herdsmen burned his house."

Sali and other residents managed to escape by hiding into the bushes the entire night before taking refuge at Jos, Plateau state.

According to Sali, a 55-year-old Christian man named Ango was attacked on May 25 by three machete-armed Fulani herdsmen who left him for dead at the bush near a stream. He was discovered by a Baptist pastor who took him to Kafanchan General Hospital where he is now recovering. Ango is the treasurer of the Men's Fellowship of the ECWA-Zakkan Local Church Council.

Sali also recalled a female victim taken to the same hospital on May 29 after being shot in the thigh by armed men wearing police uniforms.

Local chuch leaders perceive the attacks as a war by "Islam to eliminate Christianity."

WorldWatchMonitor reported earlier in March that about 20,000 people have already fled from what is widely believed to be the worst massacre staged by the Fulani herdsmen since 2010.