At least 16 Christians have been killed in Nigeria after Islamic extremists stormed a village.

The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday 2 February when Fulani herdsmen rampaged through the village in the southern state of Ebonyi, shooting Christians and setting homes on fire. International Christian Concern says that local sources reported that the violence occurred after several days of threats had been made following accusations that villagers had killed cattle belonging to the Fulani herders. Community leaders denied the allegations.

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru condemned the attack and urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that security forces had been deployed. “Our people are hospitable, but strangers should not take advantage of their calmness,” he said.

Those killed belonged to The Lord Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry.

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the killings and destruction. Security agencies have launched an inquiry, but no arrests have been reported. Local leaders have called for stronger security measures to protect communities.