Fulani missionaries prepare for outreach as herdsmen persecute Christians
By Katey Hearth July 22, 2025
Nigeria (MNN) — Christian leaders in Nigeria are calling for prayer as believers face unrelenting attacks from Fulani herdsmen.
Christian communities continue to suffer raids, sexual violence, killings at roadblocks, and kidnappings. Recent victims include two teenagers and a nine-month-old baby.
Jihadist groups like Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Lakurawa also pose an ongoing threat.
“In the void of ethical leadership, there’s always going to be these bad actors that try to swoop in and gain access to the resources,” Unknown Nations’ Greg Kelley says.
“Then you’ve got the agenda of Islam, which is to take over the entirety of that country.”
Believers aren’t the only ones who suffer. Fulani herdsmen, although Islamist, also attack properties owned by Muslims.
“It’s not like every Muslim in Nigeria is applauding what’s going on. They’re just as dissatisfied and frustrated as the Christians are, but it opens their heart,” Kelley says.
“Their worldview is challenged, and they’re open to the Gospel.”
The Fulani were among Nigeria’s first converts to Islam, and this religious system is central to their identity. Yet hope remains for this people group. “We’re seeing God move in very unique ways,” Kelley says.
“He’s saving people who come from these aggressors and using them as missionaries. There are 300 Fulani leaders that are going to be trained in the next few weeks.”
Ask the Lord to put His words into the mouths of Fulani Gospel workers.
“The most passionate and enthusiastic laborers are coming out of the three largest Muslim people groups,” Kelley says.
“When you’ve come out of that darkness, you understand the significance of it (salvation) way more than someone who came from a majority [Christian] people group.”
Header image is an AI-generated photo depicting Fulani herdsmen created using GenCraft.
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/fulani-missionaries-prepare-for-outreach-as-herdsmen-persecute-christians/