Panic in Nasarawa: Worshippers Flee as Suspected Herdsmen Disrupt Church Crusade

A church crusade held in the Agboda community of Nasarawa State was thrown into chaos on Monday evening after reports emerged that suspected herdsmen attacked the gathering. The disruption sparked panic among worshippers, forcing many to flee in fear for their lives.

What Happened

• The incident occurred around 7 to 8 p.m. during a crusade in Mararaba Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area.
• According to the crusade’s organiser, Dr. Daniel Ukpo, the sudden alarm came from reports of an attack in a nearby community, which triggered widespread fear.
• One youth was reportedly cut with a machete, and his motorcycle was taken by the assailants.
• In response to the unrest, the crusade was abruptly halted.

Reaction and Concerns

• Dr. Ukpo expressed deep worry over the frequency of security incidents in the Mararaba Udege area, pointing out a lack of adequate security presence.
• He claimed that previous religious events in the community had also been disrupted by individuals he described as armed herders.
• Local residents, he said, feel “defenceless” — many lack alternative places to relocate and are living in constant fear.
• Community calls: Ukpo urged the government to take action and bolster security in the region.

Broader Context

• This attack is part of a growing pattern of violence involving armed herdsmen in Nigeria, particularly in predominantly Christian and rural communities.
• Several Christian rights groups have raised alarm over the increasing number of church attacks, describing the situation as a serious threat to religious freedom.
• In a related development, there have been recent incidents in Nasarawa where Fulani herdsmen have allegedly killed Christians, sparking protests.

Why It Matters

1. Religious Insecurity: When armed herdsmen target religious gatherings, it underlines the vulnerability of worshippers in rural and volatile regions.
2. Government Accountability: The recurring nature of such attacks raises tough questions about whether security forces are doing enough to protect citizens.
3. Community Trauma: The psychological impact on believers — who are meant to find peace in church — is immense when worship becomes dangerous.
4. National Implications: These attacks feed into a broader narrative of tension between herding communities and settled farmers, which has both ethnic and religious dimensions.