A recent attack by Islamic extremists in Nigeria's Benue State left up to 200 Christians dead in one Catholic charity, calling it the "single worst atrocity" in the region. According to a Monday report from Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, militants attacked people displaced by radicalized Fulani herdsman with machetes and set fire to buildings. The charity was also informed by local pastors that police had previously pushed back attackers who attempted to storm St. Joseph's Church, which houses over 700 internally displaced people, The Christian Post reported.

Militants were alleged to have used fuel to set fire to the doors of the displacement accommodation and then opened fire as more than 500 slept, according to sources.

"When we heard the shots and saw the militants, we committed our lives to God. This morning, I thank God I am alive," parish priest Father Ukuma Jonathan Angbianbee told ACN. Angbianbee said he and others dropped to the floor of the church's presbytery when they heard the shots fired.

"What I saw was truly gruesome. People were slaughtered. Corpses were scattered everywhere."

On Saturday, at least 100 people were killed in the attack that took place from late Friday to early Saturday morning, leaving hundreds injured without proper medical care and dozens missing.

Although the initial death toll was 100, the ACN estimated the death toll was closer to 200 after data was collected by the Diocese of Makurdi's Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace.

"The death toll makes it the single worst atrocity in the region, where there have been a sudden upsurge in attacks and increasing signs that a concerted militant assault is underway to force an entire community to leave," the ACN report states.

According to persecution watchdog Open Doors USA, Nigeria comes in seventh place in its list of top 50 countries where Christian persecution is most rampant.

"Jihadist violence continues to escalate in Nigeria, and Christians are particularly at risk from targeted attacks by Islamist militants, including Fulani fighters, Boko Haram, and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province)," the watchdog explained. "These increased under the rule of former president Muhammadu Buhari, putting Nigeria at the epicenter of targeted violence against the church. The government's failure to protect Christians and punish perpetrators has only strengthened the militants' influence."

Over in Makurdi's Gwer West Local Government Area, at least 100 people were killed, and over 5,000 were displaced following attacks that began over 3 weeks ago.

According to a January report from the persecution watchdog group Global Christian Relief, Islamic extremists killed nearly 10,000 Christians between 2022 and 2024.

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