The United States has commended Nigeria’s “strong response” to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups, pledging continued cooperation to protect Christians in the Middle Belt and urging Abuja to defend Barkin Ladi communities in particular.
The statement, issued by the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs, comes amid renewed violence in Plateau State. At least nine people were killed in attacks between September 19 and 20, including five laborers ambushed in Gana-Ropp and a pastor killed while traveling to church in Dorowa Babuje. A separate report said at least eight Christians, including a Baptist pastor and a church employee, were killed in Barkin Ladi that weekend. The alleged Fulani-militia attribution came from local residents and Christian-focused reporting, though the specific religious motive was not independently established.
The Nigerian Army has deployed 178 troops to reinforce operations in Plateau State, where a dusk-to-dawn curfew has failed to halt attacks that killed at least 11 people in late September. The Nigerian Bar Association has criticized the government’s handling of insecurity, saying recurring attacks are eroding public confidence.
The U.S. said it would continue working with Nigeria on protecting Christian communities and ensuring the security of Barkin Ladi residents.