Islamic militants in Nigeria kill Christians in raid.

Nigeria (MNN/Barnabas Fund) — Some 49 Christians were killed by Islamic militants in a raid on the Christian town of Yelwa, Nigeria this week.

Plateau Police Commissioner Innocent Ilozuoke told reporters how most of the Christian victims had been shot as they ran to a church desperately seeking refuge. The attackers are thought to have mainly been ethnic Fulani Muslims. Local security sources indicate that the merciless guerrilla tactics used in the assault suggest Islamist fighters from Chad and Niger may also have been involved. Police and army units have been
sent to the town and order has now been restored.

Local Christians in Plateau State have suffered repeated attacks from ethnic Hausa/Fulani Muslim settlers since September 2001. Hundreds have been killed in the violence. Islamic militants from Chad, Niger and other countries outside of Nigeria have repeatedly been involved. Local Christians believe militant elements within the Muslim community are working to a strategy to drive out Christians and Islamize the whole state.

Pray for safety for believers and that evangelism with continue.