Plateau State, Nigeria – In a horrifying attack that has once again drawn attention to the escalating violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, at least 51 Christians were killed on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Rin and Bwai villages of Plateau State. The massacre was reportedly carried out by Islamist Fulani militias, according to local sources and community leaders.
The attack, which took place during one of Christianity’s holiest observances, saw dozens of homes burned, families slaughtered, and survivors forced to flee into the bush. Victims included women, children, and elderly residents who were caught off guard during early morning worship and celebrations.
Silence from the International Community
Despite the scale and religious targeting of the attack, there has been minimal international outrage. No major protests have occurred in Western cities such as London or New York, and student demonstrations – often vocal on global injustices – have remained largely silent.
This silence stands in stark contrast to other international causes, sparking criticism of selective advocacy and double standards when it comes to the plight of persecuted Christians in Africa.
Decades of Unchecked Violence
Plateau State, part of Nigeria’s volatile Middle Belt, has been plagued by ethno-religious violence for over a decade. The Fulani herdsmen militia, often described as the world’s fourth deadliest terror group by the Global Terrorism Index, have been linked to thousands of killings targeting Christian farming communities.
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Nigerian security forces are often accused of failing to intervene effectively, while survivors allege that attackers operate with impunity.
Survivors Speak Out
A community leader from Rin village, speaking under anonymity for safety reasons, told TJ News Nigeria:
“They came in large numbers, well-armed. They surrounded our homes and began shooting and setting houses ablaze. It was a bloodbath. We have buried dozens already, and some are still missing.”
Government Response Under Scrutiny
While the Nigerian government has condemned the killings, many citizens and civil society groups believe more needs to be done to protect vulnerable communities. Calls have intensified for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to declare Fulani militias as terrorists, as well as implement decisive military operations in affected areas.
Christian Organizations Demand Accountability
Several Christian groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have demanded international intervention and independent investigations into what they describe as religious genocide.
Rev. Samson Ayokunle, a former CAN President, stated:
“This is not just a conflict over land. It is a targeted extermination of our people because of their faith.”
Editor’s Commentary
The Palm Sunday massacre is a tragic reminder of the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, a nation divided not only by ethnicity and resources but by faith. As communities mourn the loss of innocent lives, questions remain unanswered:
- Where is the global outrage?
- Why does the international media remain largely indifferent?
- And how many more lives must be lost before the world takes notice?
The answer is simple. In the first place, Nigerians has been abandoned by it’s leaders, when that becomes the case, the indeference of the international community is quite understandable because no one will fight your fight for you except you. The Nigerian government must first of all, declare the Fulani militia as terrorists.