Over 100 Christians have reportedly been killed and more than 5,000 forced to flee their homes in Nigeria, in attacks that started on 24th May,

This comes after a series of coordinated attacks believed to be linked to a bishop’s recent testimony to the US Congress about Christian persecution.

Fulani militants launched the assaults across Benue, Taraba and Plateau States, with villages in Makurdi Diocese among the hardest hit.

Armed groups stormed homes at night, with survivors reporting that militants later returned to shoot wounded victims and even mourners at funerals.

Fr Oliver Ortese of Makurdi Diocese said: “This is horror, this is terror. You cannot imagine the reality we live in here.”

Pastor Winyadebi from Open Doors told Premier Christian News: “The Church is seriously devastated because right now we have lost a lot of churches to these attacks.

“Many people have deserted, they can not go back, so somehow the Church is shrinking.”

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, whose diocese suffered significant losses, had spoken in Washington about the ongoing targeting of Christians in Nigeria.

Local clergy believe his words triggered threats from extremist groups and may have provoked the latest violence.

John Samuel, legal expert at Open Doors, said: “Many don't feel safe anymore, only because they identify as Christian.”

Church leaders are urging believers around the world to pray and take action in support of those affected.