On August 6, 2025, coordinated attacks struck Christian farming communities in Benue state, Nigeria, leaving at least nine people dead and many displaced. Armed militants targeted homes and farmlands in a region already marked by ongoing violence, escalating fears of further instability and raising alarms within local and international Christian organizations.
Escalating Violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt
Benue state, situated in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long been a flashpoint for sectarian and ethnic violence. Recent incidents have seen an uptick in attacks on communities identified with a particular faith, with Christian farmers increasingly becoming targets. The August 6 attacks reportedly involved armed groups raiding multiple villages, resulting in deaths—including a police officer—and leaving many more wounded or missing. Homes were burned, crops destroyed, and survivors forced to flee, adding to the region’s growing displacement crisis.
Regional and International Response
The renewed violence has heightened calls for both the Nigerian government and international partners to address the security situation in the Middle Belt. Humanitarian groups have warned of worsening conditions for those displaced, who struggle with food insecurity and inadequate shelter. Faith leaders within Nigeria and abroad have also condemned the attacks, urging greater protection for religious minorities and peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts.
Churches Rally in Support
Christian organizations across Nigeria have mobilized in response, providing aid and comfort to survivors, while also advocating for stronger government intervention. The attacks have prompted renewed appeals for unity among Nigerian churches, as well as outreach to international partners for support and advocacy.