Islamists kill ROC parishioners in Nigeria

Christian village of Turan in Nigeria (the site where the murder took place). Photo: Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa of the Russian Orthodox Church

On March 6, 2026, Islamist terrorists attacked the Christian village of Turan in Nigeria, killing and wounding local residents. Among the dead were two parishioners of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa of the ROC reports.

According to available information, the militants struck the settlement in the morning. As a result of the attack, some residents were killed, others were wounded, and the rest were forced to flee their homes in a desperate attempt to escape. So far, the bodies of ten victims have been found, but the death toll may rise as the surrounding area is still being searched.

A Russian Orthodox Church community made up of local residents had been active in the village, under the spiritual care of Archimandrite Niphont. Among those killed were parishioners John Akule and Daniel Ahemba. They are said to be the first African members of the ROC to have died for the faith.

After the attack, the surviving members of the community were left in extremely dire circumstances. According to Archimandrite Niphont, the people were forced to abandon everything they owned and run for their lives. With so many displaced persons in the nearest town, many are struggling to find even drinking water and food, while some are in urgent need of medical care.

Reports say that about fifty Orthodox Christians lived in Turan, including twenty children. The Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa has announced an emergency fundraising campaign to help the families of the victims and the Orthodox faithful who have lost their homes and means of survival.

As the UOJ previously reported, a family of three was killed in India for converting to Christianity.

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