comfort to those who are grieving in Babanla Kwara state

A vicious attacks have forced mass displacement in Babanla Kwara state neighbouring southwest Nigeria. In Babanla and nearby communities, over 3,000 residents fled after coordinated raids by Mahmuda fighters who looted, killed, and abducted citizens. This is strange. 

This new armed group —believed to be a splinter of Boko Haram—had launched brutal attacks on rural communities. Residents of villages such as Kemanji, Duruma, Karongi, among others, have experienced:

• Killings and abductions of villagers and vigilantes, including multi-person massacres and kidnappings. Sahara Reporters+2Sahara Reporters+2The Guardian Nigeria

• Homes, farms, and a wooden bridge burned or destroyed, escalating fear and cutting off access to vital areas. The Guardian NigeriaSahara Reporters

• The group has even started imposing their own rule, collecting taxes (zakat), assigning land, and enforcing laws with no oversight. This poses a direct threat to both freedom and faith. Sahara Reporters+1

This turmoil has forced many families to flee in panic—their homes no longer safe, their hearts burdened with trauma and uncertainty.

Why We Should Pray