Russian Orthodox Church parishioners killed in Nigeria

Terrorists have attacked a village in the state of Benue, murdering and wounding dozens of residents, according to the Patriarchate 

At least ten residents of the Christian village of Turan in Nigeria have been killed in a raid carried out by Islamic terrorists, including two parishioners of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa said on Saturday.

The Russian Orthodox Church’s Patriarchal Exarchate in Africa said that in the latest raid on March 6 other residents of the village were wounded, and those remaining were forced to flee for their lives. Local authorities have warned that further searches may uncover additional victims. 

The Exarchate added that among those killed were Ioann Akule and Daniil Ahemba, members of the local Russian Orthodox community, noting that “these are the first parishioners in Africa of the Russian Orthodox Church to be killed for their faith.”

According to the statement, Turan was home to 50 Orthodox Christians, including 20 children.

Read more

“People had to leave everything behind, and due to the influx of refugees into the nearby town, it is difficult to find even drinking water and food,” said Archimandrite Nifont, the head of the local community, who stressed that some require medical assistance.

The Exarchate said it had launched an urgent fundraising campaign to support the survivors as the community struggles to cope with the humanitarian consequences of the attack.

Nigeria’s northwest region has been plagued by an upsurge in raids and kidnappings carried out by armed gangs. The groups have attacked villages, schools, and places of worship.

In early February 2026, militants carried out coordinated assaults on villages in Kwara State, killing more than 160 people in one of the deadliest incidents in recent months.

Days later, motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked several villages in Niger State, leaving at least 46 people dead. Later that month, militants raided communities in Kebbi State, killing at least 34 residents. Last week, gunmen attacked two villages in northeastern Nigeria, leaving at least 25 people dead.