Release International
'TALIBAN' MILITIA ATTACK CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA |
| Nov 21 2007 |
It's the latest in a long-running series of attacks against Christian towns and villages in Nigeria. Christians have been driven from their homes in several northern states to pave the way for strict Islamic law.
And in Borno state earlier this year more than 60 Christians were slaughtered and 57 churches destroyed. The attacks were reprisals against the publication of the Mohammed cartoons in Denmark, which were considered to be offensive to Islam.
Release International serves the persecuted church in 30 nations. According to RI's contact in Nigeria thousands of militant Muslims, styling themselves after the Taliban, have been gathering near Wukari in Taraba State. Taraba is in Eastern Nigeria on the border with Cameroon.
Members of the Fulani tribe launched an armed attack on Kumutu village, attacking villagers and burning their houses. Three of the dead were members of the Christian Reformed Church. Several villagers were seriously wounded are being treated in hospital.
The incident was triggered by a dispute over cattle grazing, which may have been started deliberately to justify the attack. It's feared the militia may now launch further attacks against other Christian villages in the area. The governor has been pleading for calm.
Release International's Chief Executive Andy Dipper has condemned the attacks and is calling on the Nigerian government to protect its citizens. 'Jesus said love your enemies. And that's what Christians who have been attacked across Nigeria are sincerely trying to do - to love and forgive their neighbours who have turned against them.
'We call on the Nigerian government to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and tensions between communities.'
A video report on the growing crisis in Nigeria is available on the Release International website. World Update on the Persecuted Church can be downloaded from: www.releaseinternational.org/webcast
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