"The Troubles", Part One

That is the term used to describe the tense relationships that have arisen in recent years between Christians and Fulani. These times are caused by a variety of circumstances. In one place, Kafanchan, the cause can be pinpointed.

The election of a Christian president in 2011 incensed many Muslims, and some Hausa Muslims went on a rage in Kafanchan. They attacked Christians and torched their houses. I saw blocks of houses that had been burned and left abandoned. The home of Bishop Diya, the Anglican bishop, was attacked, and the bishop and family had to flee over their surrounding wall and wait in the bush for things to quiet down.

Though most Fulani were not involved in the violence, they knew about what was coming. Most of them left just before the attacks with their cows. So bitter has been aftermath that the Fulani are only now returning to the camps they had once occupied in the vicinity of Kafanchan.

The District Head and his village leaders, as well as the two owners of the camps, knew the significance of the gradual Fulani return. Their hope is for peaceful relationships. When I asked for prayer requests they all said for reconciliation and trust to be restored. They know very well that evangelism can only occur with those who know them well. For that witness to have a hearing, there must be trust and friendships restored.