An influential new report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) estimates that around 30,000 predominantly Muslim Fulani militants are active in Nigeria. This activity is causing increasing insecurity and violations of religious freedoms.
The USCIRF report indicates that violence perpetrated by Fulani militants resulted in the highest number of deaths among religious communities in Nigeria over the past year. This surpasses incidents related to organized insurgent groups and criminal gangs. The Fulani, traditionally herders of livestock, have been accused of targeting Christian farming communities in the Middle Belt and even further south. Their actions include burning homes and churches, as well as engaging in kidnapping, rape, and murder.
Funerals were recently held for 27 Christians reportedly killed by Fulani tribesmen in Bindi village, Plateau State, Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing strife.
Former U.S. counterterrorism expert Sterling Tilley, who has worked with Nigerian government forces, stated that military actions by the U.S. against Islamist organizations like Boko Haram are not suitable for addressing conflicts with the Fulani in Nigeria’s central areas. He emphasized that resolving the farmer-herder conflict requires Nigerian political will to take effective action.
Following an attack by Fulani militants that resulted in 218 deaths and 6,000 displaced people, protests erupted in Benue state. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth cited recent U.S. strikes targeting Islamist groups like ISIS in Nigeria in response to the targeting of Nigerian Christians.
According to the USCIRF report, Christians make up about 48% of Nigeria’s population. Fulani militants have notably conducted operations around Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, aimed at instilling fear in these communities. Although predominantly targeting Christians, the report notes that some Fulani assailants have also attacked Muslims and raided their cattle.
Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, highlighted that violence by Fulani militants far exceeds that of other groups like Boko Haram. She recounted harrowing stories of individuals witnessing loved ones being killed or taken into slavery.
Blyth also emphasized the complexity of the situation, noting that it’s overly simplistic to claim all acts are religiously motivated. However, she highlighted the vulnerability of Christians, who often pay a high price.
The USCIRF report criticized Nigerian federal and state authorities for their response to Fulani militant violence, calling their reactions unsatisfactory. Upcoming Nigerian elections present a complicating factor, as the Fulani hold significant political influence, complicating efforts to address the violence.
Efforts by Fox News Digital to obtain a comment from the Nigerian government before publication were unsuccessful.
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