Terror and violence during Christmas 2023: Anti-Christian attacks in Bokkos, Nigeria
On Christmas 2023, Bokkos, located in the Nigerian state of Plateau, was affected by large-scale violence. More than a thousand individuals, allegedly belonging to the Fulani ethnic group, carried out attacks mainly targeting Christian communities between December 23 and 26. The tragic consequence was the loss of almost 170 lives, and sadly, this number is expected to increase. In the absence of government support, many displaced people sought refuge in churches, with religious organizations being the main providers of assistance.
The attacks spread across approximately 26 communities, focusing mainly on Bokkos, but also affecting parts of Mangu and local communities of Barkin Ladi, all within Plateau State. This episode of violence is part of a territorial conflict that has been increasing since 1999 between Fulani herders, mostly Muslim, and local farmers, mostly Christian. During the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, tolerance towards the actions of Fulani herdsmen contributed to the rise of criminal acts such as banditry, kidnappings and attacks.
Father Andrew Dewan, director of communications for the diocese of Pankshin, where the attacks occurred, reveals in an interview with Aid to the Church in Need (AIN) that the confirmed victims so far are 167, but this number could increase due to the number of people hospitalized with various injuries. The attacks were specifically directed towards Christian communities, evidencing a discriminatory pattern.
The priest relates that the attacks began in a rural community called Mushu, where 18 people were killed and many were injured. The attackers subsequently moved to Tudun Mazat, where summary executions were carried out, homes and corn fields burned, and churches and clinics set on fire. Father Andrew also mentions that during the morning of that same day, he himself had attended the Christmas mass in Tudun Mazat. From there, the Fulani terrorists continued towards Maiyanga, where they killed thirteen people, and then attacked another 20 communities overnight.
Regarding the identity of the attackers, the priest states that the survivors and eyewitnesses were forceful in pointing out that they were Fulani militiamen. The exact motivation for the attack is still unclear, but Father Andrew suggests a possible connection with previous attacks in the neighboring Mangu local government, where the Fulani were hoping for access and were repulsed by Christian Bokkos communities.
The priest highlights the religious nature of the conflict, highlighting that this latest attack on Christmas clearly demonstrates its religious nature. The anti-Christian matrix is evident, as Christians were deliberately attacked in a mixed community, while Muslims were not affected. The victims lament the lack of police response, and Father Andrew criticizes the absence of local politicians, who, not residing in the community, lack understanding of the problems affecting the population.