SW News: Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of Makurdi, in Nigeria’s Benue state has sent a letter to the Pontifical Charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) highlighting the conflicts, persecution, and insecurity Christians are facing and lackadaisical attitude of the authorities to put an end to violence.

The letter mentioned the persistent attacks by armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen who wreak havoc on Christian farming communities in the central region of the West African nation. It was reported that in the last couple of months at least 68 Christians were killed in Benue state.

The reasons for such attacks are complex including conflicts between nomadic herders and settled farmers, and attacks from unknown armed bandits. Meanwhile, the influx of high-grade firearms into the country over the past few years has worsened the situation.

The bishop pointed out a religious dimension to the attacks saying that the killings, displacement, and wanton destruction of property by these Fulani jihadist militias support the now exposed agenda to depopulate Christian communities in Nigeria and take over their land.

He said that some of the terrorists even disguised themselves as nomadic herdsmen to cover the true intent of their attacks, which is to “drive Christians from their lands”. Further, the prelate slammed the Nigerian government saying that in the midst of such attacks, the acting government gives silly reasons such as “climate change” for the cause of attacks.

Despite the financial challenges, the Church is doing its best to help the people in need by providing food, clothing, shelter, and scholarships to dozens of displaced children. ACN continues to support local churches and in 2021, 105 projects in Nigeria were financed by the pontifical charity.