Funeral held in Nigeria for Christians, including parishioners of Russian Orthodox Church, killed by Islamists

DECR Communication Service, 31/03/2026

On 6^th March 2026, Islamic terrorists attacked the Christian village of Turan (Kwande LGA, Benue State, Nigeria), brutally murdering local dwellers, including two parishioners of the Russian Orthodox Church – John Akule and Daniel Ahemba, Patriarchia.ru reports. The community’s rector, Archimandrite Niphon (Hule), appealed for help to the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa.

Thanks to concerned people, funds were raised through the website of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa in order to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the attack and those who had lost their family members in the tragedy.

In the days following the incident, Archimandrite Niphon paid visits to the families of the victims. However, as the situation remained perilous, their funeral had to be postponed. It took place on 17^th March. Relatives and neighbours paid their last respects to twelve murdered Christians.

After the attack, more than 300 displaced persons had to spend nights in the open air on bare ground, hiding in bushes from new assaults. They did not have spare clothes, and the ones they wore were torn and dirty. To help the displaced people, mattresses were purchased and temporary accommodation was organized.

Many people received serious injuries, including gunshot wounds; children had fractures. People are suffering from diseases, such as typhoid fever, malaria, dysentery. Most of the children were infested with parasites and were in pain. The injured are now receiving medical aid, medicaments and foodstuffs. Those severely wounded were taken to hospitals.

Eighty-five schoolchildren will be transferred to other schools, since educational institutions in Turan have been closed due to the high level of danger.

Relief efforts continue. Many incapacitated people have lost their homes and livelihoods, their houses with all their possessions have burnt down.

As the Exarchate’s website reports, Archimandrite Niphon met with the Traditional Ruler and Chairman of the Kwande Local Government Traditional Council, Timothy Ahile, and representatives of the Traditional Council of Turan, who spoke highly of the relief efforts of the Russian Orthodox Church and expressed appreciation for its support.

Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, Archimandrite Niphon and local residents express their heartfelt gratitude to all benefactors for their prayerful and financial support. “This aid saved the lives of the injured and gave hope to those who had lost all hope,” Father Niphon emphasized.

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Funeral held in Nigeria for Christians, including parishioners of Russian Orthodox Church, killed by Islamists

Patriarch

Department Chairman

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons