Christian Communities Disappearing in Northern Nigeria

The Christian farmers of Mdandi village in northern Nigeria were preparing for a new harvest when armed Islamists attacked their homes and drove them out.

“On their first attack, we fought back, defending ourselves and our families,” said Luka Zafi, pastor of the Church of Christ in Nigeria.

“And not being able to force us out, they retreated. We had thought that we would not be attacked again, but … they left and returned the second time with more of them, and all armed with guns. We could not fight back since we do not have arms to fight them. We ran out of the village, and they destroyed our two church buildings and our houses.”

Zafi’s church had 50 members, but now Muslim Fulani nomads graze cattle on its grounds.

Zafi said the need for the Nigerian government to halt the attacks of Muslim militants was more important than restoring Christian property.

“Unless this is done, I am afraid Christians in this part of the country may be on their way to extinction,” he said.

Islamists also attacked the village of Gumel, destroying three church buildings and burning more than 50 houses.

Read the rest on: vinienco.com