Following the killing of 21 Christians in Nigeria, at the hands of Fulani militants, local sources say believers are increasingly at risk as they call for action from leaders.
It’s believed 10 others were also critically injured in the attacks in the Plateau state.
The violence erupted on the 10th August, after Fulani herdsmen set buidings alight in an area where many displaced Christians have been staying.
Masara Kim, a journalist based in Jos, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that, after setting the houses ablaze, the extremists aimed their assault rifles at those trying to flee the fires.
Mr Kim, who visited the scene following the murders, explained that the victims were “previously displaced from the surrounding villages” and found shelter in Heipang.
He said that about half of the victims “were burnt beyond recognition”, and at least five of them were infants.
Mr Kim added: “It was a heart-breaking scene to witness.
“They were given a mass burial in a rain-soaked mass grave.
“These are poor villagers who do not even have money for food, much less for coffins.”
He underlined that “there were witnesses and there are survivors who saw their family members slaughtered”, but says often authorities fail to identify the perpetrators.