Fr. Justine John Dyikuk, RFI Senior Fellow for International Religious Freedom Policy, authored an article published this week in The Pillar recounting two separate attacks in recent days on Nigerian Christians. The violence took place in Kaduna, a state in northern Nigeria. Fr. Dyikuk writes: 

At least 46 villagers were killed last week in northern Nigeria, in two separate attacks believed to have been perpetrated by a group of Fulani herdsmen. 

A local diocesan official told The Pillar that priests are providing spiritual care, as local Christians prepare for Christmas after a devastating and unexpected attack.

The attacks took place over three days, and across four villages in Kaduna, a state in the northern region of Nigeria.

Attackers reportedly lit fire to houses in two villages late in the evening of Dec. 11; humanitarian agencies report that some victims were burnt alive as they slept. The violence continued in attacks on two other villages in the days following.

Read the full article: “Nigeria Terror Attacks Kill 46, Despite Hopes for ‘Peaceful Christmas’.”