Fulani militants were seen to be exploiting lockdown as they launched a series of murderous attacks throughout May.
Militants killed at least eight Christians and injured scores of others on 12 May in one of a series of murderous attacks on villages in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Large numbers of gunmen stormed the villages of Bakin-Kogi, Idanu and Makyali, in the Kajura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, causing families to flee into the bush and to neighbouring communities.
The militants exploited the fact that the authorities refocused scarce security forces on combatting the coronavirus, knowing Christian villagers had no choice but to stay at home where they were left defenceless. Kidnappers of a pastor abducted in May said they will not release him until he converts to Islam or a ransom is paid.
