Islamists attacked a Christian village in Nigeria: parishioners of the exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church were killed

Islamic militants have attacked the Christian village of Turan in Nigeria, killing at least ten people. Among the victims were two parishioners of the African Exarchate community of the Russian Orthodox Church. The attack led to a mass flight of residents, leaving them homeless and destitute, causing a serious humanitarian situation.

According to the press service of the African Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, the attack took place on the morning of March 6, 2026. The militants attacked the settlement of Turan, killing and wounding local residents. The bodies of ten dead have reportedly been recovered so far, but the number of casualties could increase as the search of the surrounding area continues.

Among the dead are John Akule and Daniel Achemba, who were parishioners of the local community of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa of the Russian Orthodox Church noted that they were the first African members of the Church to die for the faith. Archimandrite Nifont was the spiritual care of this community, consisting of local residents (about fifty Orthodox Christians, twenty of whom were children).

After the attack, the surviving members of the community found themselves in an extremely difficult situation. According to Archimandrite Nifont, people were forced to abandon all their possessions and flee. In the nearby town, there is an acute shortage of drinking water and food due to the large number of refugees, and many also require urgent medical attention.

In response to the tragedy, the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa has announced an urgent collection of donations. The funds will be used to help the families of the victims and all Orthodox believers who have lost shelter and livelihood.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, held in Moscow on July 24, 2025, considered the issue of titling the bishops of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa. In the process of considering the said issue, it was decided to change the titles of the bishops of the African Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, indicating in them toponymic information related to the African continent.