Yuda Garba, a village head in Nigeria, was found dead after his abduction by Fulani herdsmen. He was kidnapped on March 11, along with his grandchildren and several others. The police are actively searching for the remaining victims amidst a backdrop of increasing violence against Christians in the country, identified by reports and local authorities as a growing concern. Recent statistics underscore Nigeria’s perilous status for Christians.
The head of the predominantly Christian Dnako village in Bwari Area Council, Yuda Garba, was found deceased on March 17 subsequent to his abduction by suspected Fulani herdsmen on March 11. His body was discovered within the Nomadic Forest near Kuyeri, close to the Kaduna state border. Villagers recognized the remains, prompting authorities to amplify search efforts for the other kidnapped victims.
Yuda Garba, alongside his grandchildren Ephraim and Philemon, Nicholas, and four other Christians, was taken during a midnight raid on March 11. Tanko Baba, a villager, recounted the raid, stating the armed assailants broke into homes and abducted individuals at gunpoint during the night. This act of violence raised concerns within the community regarding safety and security.
The Abuja Federal Capital Territory Police Command, represented by spokesperson Josephine Adeh, confirmed their deployment to the affected area and their ongoing pursuit of the abductors in hopes of rescuing the victims. Similar incidents highlight the grave situation, as noted by John Mark regarding another family abducted in January.
In the same overarching context, Ishaya Kukah, brother of Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, was kidnapped on March 5 in Anchuna village, with reports indicating that he was taken alongside six other Christians at night. Authorities are aware of the incident and are currently making efforts to locate these captives.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Belief highlighted the alarming issue of violence against Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing the Fulani herdsmen’s targeting of Christians, driven by a desire for territorial control. The violence is not limited to rural areas; it extends into southern regions where new jihadist groups, such as Lakurawa, have emerged.
According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, Nigeria ranks among the most perilous places for Christians globally. The increasing incidents of kidnappings and killings underscore the urgent need for intervention in humanitarian efforts to assist those affected by persecution and violence.
In conclusion, the tragic abduction and murder of Yuda Garba exemplify the rampant violence faced by Christian communities in Nigeria, primarily attributed to the actions of Fulani herdsmen. The confirmed kidnappings of multiple individuals illustrate the danger prevalent in the region. This ongoing crisis necessitates increased awareness and international support for the affected communities, as Nigeria endures a significant threat to religious freedom and safety, placing it prominently on the World Watch List.
Original Source: morningstarnews.org
