Nigeria Violence: At Least 58 Christians Killed in Plateau and Kaduna State Attacks
Suspected Fulani militants killed at least 58 Christians in separate attacks across Plateau and Kaduna states in late July and early August 2026. The deadliest single incident occurred in Naridon village, Kaduna State, where 30 people were killed, including 11 children. Advocacy groups are calling for greater government protection for communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt region.
At least 58 Christians were killed in a series of attacks across Nigeria's Middle Belt region between late July and early August 2026, according to reports from local sources and international advocacy organizations.
The deadliest single incident took place on July 26, 2026, in Naridon village in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Suspected Fulani militants attacked the village around midnight, killing 30 people, including 11 children. Victims ranged in age from three to 87 years old. Survivors reported that attackers broke into a local church, mocked worshippers, and set fire to homes while families were sleeping.
In Plateau State, violence continued into early August. On August 5, gunmen killed three Christian brothers in a nighttime ambush at the Tarrai Jol Hamlet in the Riyom Local Government Area. Separate reports from August 4 cited 31 Christians killed in regional violence, including a Catholic priest. Another incident in the villages of Rim and Mangu left at least 27 dead within a 24-hour period.
The Nigerian Army announced the arrest of a 48-year-old suspect, Salihu Miakailu, on August 3 in connection with the Naridon massacre.
Open Doors and International Christian Concern have both issued statements calling the attacks part of a pattern of targeted religious violence rather than routine farmer-herder disputes. Both organizations are urging the Nigerian government and international partners to take stronger action to protect Christian communities in the region.
Security forces have faced criticism for slow response times during several of the attacks. Community leaders in Plateau State told local reporters that help arrived hours after the violence had ended.
