Muslim Extremists Kill 31 Christians in Nigeria

Armed Muslim extremists stormed two churches in Taraba state  and killed 31 people as they worshipped, a church leader said.

Two pastors, one pastor's son, and 28 other Christians were slain in the attacks in the villages of Gindin Waya and Sondi, said the Rev. Caleb Ahema, president of the Christian Reformed Church of Christ in Nigeria. Ahema said the onslaught was the seventh attack on Christian communities in Wukari Local Government Area since February.

"The attack on Christians in Taraba state is a planned genocide against Christians by Islamic insurgents who have invaded the southern part of the state, inhabited mostly by Christians, since February," he said.

Ahema said the Muslim extremists, who wore military uniforms, were members of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram who came from outside the state. Recently insurgents from Boko Haram, based in Borno state, have reportedly joined ethnic Fulani herdsmen in attacks on Christians in Taraba and other northeastern states.