A number of Christians have died after a spate of attacks across Nigeria's southern Kaduna state.
Armed Islamic assailants have laid siege to several villages in the region over recent days, with one attack in Kukum Daji village in the Kaura Local Government Area resulting in the deaths of 15 people.
On the evening of 20th July, an estimated 50 Fulani fighters descended on Gora Gan village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA), killing nine people.
The previous day, militants armed with guns and machetes attacked a wedding reception at a home in Kukum Daji village, killing 15 and injuring a further 30. Three more later died in hospital, bringing the death toll up to 18. Attacks also took place in Kagoro, Manchok and Malugum, though the number of those injured is unconfirmed.
According to reports, eleven Christians were murdered, with hundreds fleeing to camps in for shelter.
One camp official told Morning Star News: "They are Christians who escaped the attack against Gora Gan village and other villages in the past few days. These internally displaced Christians are in dire need of food items, drugs, and facilities to treat those who are traumatised."
CSW’s Chief Operating Officer Scot Bower said: “CSW is dismayed by the relentless attacks in southern Kaduna, and we extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods. It is deeply disturbing that perpetrators continue to operate with impunity. Worse still, the failure or unwillingness of those in authority to address these and other non-state actors and to secure ungoverned spaces, has not only allowed the violence to mutate, but has also created an environment in which Boko Haram can extend its operations.
"Nigeria’s increasing security vacuum is a threat to the nation and region. We therefore reiterate our call for international pressure on both the state and federal authorities to fulfil their duty of care towards all citizens regardless of creed or ethnicity, and to fully resource the armed forces, enabling them to secure the nation before it is too late. We also repeat our call for the UN Human Rights Council to convene a special session on the human rights situation in central Nigeria, with particular focus on current violations in the southern Kaduna area and Plateau State.”
