Nigeria drenched in a ‘ocean of blood,’ says bishop following the killing of 200 Christians in one week

A week of terrorist violence in Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of 200 Christians, lamented Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto. According to an article by Catholic Herald, the attacks include a Palm Sunday massacre in Plateau State’s village of Zikke, where Fulani herdsmen killed at least 56 people and burned homes.

This followed a similar attack in five villages south of Jos that left 50 dead. Bishop Kukah criticized the government’s lack of a comprehensive strategy to combat the violence, describing the bloodshed as an “invisible ocean” threatening the region.

The violence involves Boko Haram, ISWAP, and jihadist Fulani herdsmen, with over 20,000 Christians killed in the past decade, according to the NGO Intersociety. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered investigations, but critics accuse the government of bias, allowing armed Fulani herdsmen while restricting Christian farmers’ access to weapons. Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama urged self-defense for vulnerable communities. The international community has been called upon to hold Nigeria accountable and designate the groups responsible as entities of concern.