12/10/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — A pastor and Christian businesswoman were killed in two separate attacks on Dec. 6 in Taraba state, Nigeria.
The first attack occurred at midnight in the Mayo Dasa area of Jalingo, the state capital. Reports from the Taraba State Police Command spokesperson, Abdullahi Usman, reveal that assailants entered the home of a young businesswoman and shot her to death. In a separate attack in the Jerbanbur area, a clergyman was murdered in his home.
Residents have expressed concerns regarding the attacks, and some have identified the attackers as Muslim extremists, with accusations pointing to more than 100 deaths of Christians since January. However, authorities have only categorized the attackers as unidentified gunmen.
The latest attacks reflect a broader trend of violence against Christians in Taraba and surrounding states. Notably, in November 2023, Oluwakemi Moses Konye, a pastor’s wife, was killed while traveling with her infant child. Such incidents, despite the presence of the military and police, highlight the ongoing security challenges that Christians face in Nigeria.
Advocates for Christian rights are calling for increased accountability and a more responsive approach from authorities regarding the plight of persecuted communities. Many believe that these targeted attacks indicate a concerning trend aimed at destabilizing Christian populations in Nigeria’s Northern and Central regions.
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