Fatal Attack Perpetrated by Militant Herdsmen and Soldiers


Dauda Dalyop
Photo: Morning Star News


During a night raid by militant Muslims in Plateau state, a Christian man and his two teenage sons were tragically killed, and his wife critically wounded. At about 10 p.m. on September 3rd, ethnic Fulani herdsmen and soldiers raided Gura Dabwam village (near Jos in Gyel District), killing the 42-year-old father, Dauda Dalyop, and his two sons: Bitrus, 17, and Daniel, 15. The attack has also left Dauda's wife, Kangyang, 35, in critical condition at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. Surprisingly, their 5-year-old son Dantong survived the attack unharmed.

Pastor Davou Pam, representing the Church of Christ in Nations, explained that his family had just finished their nightly devotional time when they heard gunshots in the village that night. He recounts the aftermath of the attack and subsequent shock over the tragic loss: "I heard wailings from some houses, and then I went there to find that my church member, Dauda Dalyop, and his two sons were killed, while his wife was injured." Pastor Davou is now seeking ways to care for the wounded widow and her only surviving son. For information on how you can help victims of persecution through the Family of Martyrs Fund, please check our Special Funds. To review past reports, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

Pray that God will greatly comfort Kangyang and her young son, Dantong, assuring them of His ability to minister to their every need. May He not only provide protection to them and other Christians residing in Plateau state, but also replace their anxiety with the "peace that surpasses all understanding." Also ask for His wisdom and guidance in the situation so that governing authorities will be able to effectively deal with the attackers. Most important of all, may the Lord use the situation to draw His people into a closer relationship with Him and those in need of salvation to the cross of Calvary.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    230,842,743 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

    Leader
    President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nigeria

    May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

Nigeria News

  • Christians Slain After Being Forced from Bus
    Three Christian men are kneeling, while executioners holding guns are standing behind them.
    The three men who were killed by Boko Haram militants.
     

    On June 5th, a bus was travelling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway when a group of armed men forced it to stop near the village of Kamuya, which is located on the border between the states of Yobe and Borno. The terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and then allowed the rest of the travellers to leave.

  • Deadly Market Attack
    Bandits in Nigeria are carrying various types of weaponry. All have their faces covered.
    Bandits in Nigeria
    Photo: Voice of America

    As Nigerians were celebrating their national Democracy Day on May 29th, gunmen opened fire on the Maro Junction Market which happens to be located within a predominantly Christian community of Kaduna State. Reports state that as many as 12 people were killed and 20 others injured.

  • Hundreds Rescued from Boko Haram Captivity
    Masked Boko Haram fighters are holding various types of weaponry.
    Boko Haram terrorists have claimed
    the lives of multitudes in Nigeria.
     

    On May 20th, the Nigerian military reported that 350 captives had been recovered from Boko Haram bases in the Sambisa Forest, a well-known enclave for the militant group in eastern Nigeria. Some of the captors were killed during the military operation. All of the rescued former hostages were taken to the Borno state government house where they will be cared for until they can safely return to their homes.