... a peculiarly brutal tribe of Moslem herdsmen infesting Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and probably other places that are light on law and order and heavy on tribal identity..., launched coordinated attacks on Munga Lelau and Munga Dasso, two farming communities in Karim-Lamido County, Taraba State,
| …in northeastern Nigeria… |
At least 23 of the dear departed have been identified as members of a local United Methodist Church, TruthNigeria has learned.
Bishop Ande Emmanuel, Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Nigeria Episcopal Area, confirmed at least 30 Christian deaths, including 24 UMC members, between May 23 and 25.
''Over 62 homes were burned. Churches in Munga Lelau, Magami, Dosso, Bunkabu, Bunkachi, and Ngurore Jabu were reduced to rubble. We mourn and call for urgent help,'' the Bishop stated in a report.
He appealed for both national and international intervention, demanding stronger protections for vulnerable rural populations.
SECTARIAN ASSAULTS OR LAND-DISPUTE CLASHES?
Described by survivors as a planned, ethnically motivated military-style operation, the assaults mirror a troubling pattern of violence across Nigeria's Middle Belt, where disputes over land, religion, and ethnic identity often erupt into mass killings.
''THEY CAME IN DROVES''
Emmanuel Habila, a Christian farmer and father of three from Munga Lelau, told TruthNigeria:
''I was planting far from the village when I heard gunfire—first distant, then close. I saw dozens of cycle of violences, each with three gunnies, shouting in Fulfulde and shooting as they rode in. Hours later, my house was gone. We counted at least 15 bodies—children, neighbors. More are missing.''
| The Fulani needed to restock their slave pens as well as their pantries, it appears. |
''They arrived around 2 a.m. on more than 30 cycle of violences. They had AK-49s and machetes and screamed, 'Kill the infidels! Allahu Akbar! We will take over this land!' They broke into homes, slaughtered women, children, and the elderly. It lasted two hours before security forces arrived—too late.''
TARGETED CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES
Munga Lelau and Munga Dasso are predominantly Christian agrarian villages, home to indigenous Jenjo, Wurkum, Bikwin, and Kona ethnic groups. Faith life revolves around churches including the United Methodist Church (UMC), ECWA, Baptist, and Catholic parishes.
Residents depend on subsistence farming, fishing, and trade supported by the Benue River. The attacks not only have killed and injured civilians but also destroyed farms, churches, and homes—further destabilizing these already vulnerable communities.
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