New Wave of Attacks on Christians in Nigeria: Homes and a Church Destroyed

In Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria, a series of brutal attacks by Islamist militants on predominantly Christian communities resulted in one death and the destruction of a church parish. The radicals did not limit themselves to religious sites, causing extensive damage to local infrastructure.

Terrorists belonging to the groups “Boko Haram” and ISWAP (“Islamic State in West Africa”) attacked the villages of Tela-Bala, Guyaku, and Sabon-Gari. During the raid, not only was the church building burned down, but also numerous residential homes, shops, the local hospital, and civilians’ vehicles.

Representatives of the affected communities and local authorities—in particular, Rufai Umar, a member of the state legislative assembly—have issued a firm demand that the national government strengthen security measures in the region. Local residents emphasize that such regular acts of violence make it impossible for citizens to live in peace.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the United States had previously decided to withdraw its military contingent from Nigeria. These units had been carrying out a mission to protect the Christian population from attacks by radical terrorist organizations.