Project – Impact of Fulani herdsmen crisis on church growth in Agatu Local government area of Benue State
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
The Fulani herdsmen crisis has emerged as a significant socio-political issue in Nigeria, particularly affecting the Middle Belt and other regions in the country. This conflict is rooted in the tension between Fulani herders, who traditionally engage in transhumant pastoralism, and sedentary agricultural communities. The clash has escalated over the years, leading to violent confrontations, loss of lives, and displacement of people. In Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, these conflicts have had profound effects on various aspects of life, including the growth and development of churches in the region. The religious landscape, which is predominantly Christian in Agatu, has been significantly affected by the crisis, leading to a decrease in church attendance, displacement of church members, and disruptions in church activities. As churches are a central aspect of community life, understanding how the Fulani herdsmen crisis affects church growth is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impact on religious institutions.
A significant body of literature has explored the causes and consequences of the Fulani herdsmen crisis across Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the Middle Belt region. According to Okoli and Atelhe (2014), the rising tension between Fulani herders and agricultural communities is driven by competition over land and water resources, exacerbated by climate change and population growth. In the context of Benue State, the issue is further complicated by the state’s large agricultural base, with the majority of its population relying on farming for livelihood. This competition often leads to violent conflicts that result in the destruction of farmlands, displacement of farmers, and a breakdown of local governance structures. The implications of these conflicts extend to religious institutions, which are often affected by the displacement of church members and the destruction of church properties (Akpan, 2018).
The effect of displacement on church growth in Agatu LGA is particularly alarming. Displacement, often due to violent attacks by Fulani herders, forces many members of Christian communities to flee their homes and seek refuge in other areas. This migration disrupts church activities, as members who once attended services regularly are no longer present, and in some cases, churches are forced to close their doors. As noted by Nwachukwu (2016), displacement leads to a decline in church membership and hampers the ability of churches to expand their reach. In Agatu, many displaced individuals have relocated to urban centers or neighboring communities, where they may not have the same religious affiliation or the opportunity to participate in the same church community. This migration trend diminishes the growth potential of churches and increases the difficulty of maintaining vibrant congregations.
Furthermore, the insecurity created by the herdsmen crisis often makes it difficult for churches to carry out their mission effectively. In Agatu, many church leaders have reported frequent disruptions to services, church activities, and evangelism efforts due to the constant threat of violence. This insecurity has limited the church’s ability to attract new members and establish new congregations. According to Omonobi (2019), church leaders in conflict-affected areas face additional challenges in their pastoral duties, as they must address both spiritual needs and the emotional trauma of their congregants, who are often directly affected by violence. In many instances, churches have had to shift their focus from traditional evangelistic activities to providing humanitarian aid and pastoral care to the displaced and traumatized individuals in their communities.
The impact of the Fulani herdsmen crisis on the financial stability of churches is another area of concern. Many churches rely on the financial contributions of their members for operational costs, including paying salaries, maintaining church buildings, and funding community outreach programs. However, the displacement of members and the financial hardship caused by the conflict have significantly reduced the flow of tithes and offerings. As noted by Ezeani (2020), churches in conflict zones often struggle with diminished resources, making it difficult to maintain their buildings, sustain programs, and support the spiritual needs of their congregants. The reduced financial stability of churches in Agatu has not only affected their ability to grow but has also created a strain on the pastoral staff, who must deal with increasing demands while managing limited resources.
Finally, despite the challenges posed by the Fulani herdsmen crisis, some churches in Agatu have adopted innovative strategies to maintain growth and support their communities. As observed by Akinboade (2021), churches in conflict areas often engage in community-building activities such as providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected by violence. These initiatives not only help the displaced but also serve to strengthen the church’s role as a central pillar of the community. By addressing the immediate needs of victims, churches can rebuild trust and loyalty among their members, which may ultimately contribute to long-term growth. Furthermore, some churches have embraced technology, holding virtual services and engaging with displaced members through social media, thus adapting to the changing realities of the conflict while continuing to foster spiritual growth.
- Statement of the Problem
The persistent conflict between Fulani herdsmen and farming communities in Nigeria has evolved into a major national security concern, with devastating consequences for social, economic, and religious life, particularly in agrarian regions like Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. Agatu has become one of the epicenters of this violence, with numerous reports of brutal attacks, killings, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents. While the humanitarian and economic impacts of the crisis have been widely documented, there remains a significant gap in scholarly attention to its implications on religious institutions—particularly the Christian churches, which play a central role in community life. This study seeks to address this gap by examining how the Fulani herdsmen crisis affects church growth in Agatu LGA.
One of the critical issues emerging from the crisis is the mass displacement of populations. As attacks escalate, entire communities are uprooted, leaving churches empty and congregations scattered. This poses a serious challenge to church growth, which thrives on stable membership, consistent attendance, and community engagement. Many churches in Agatu have been forced to shut down or drastically reduce their operations due to insecurity, a lack of members, and an inability to conduct regular services. The displacement of both clergy and laity raises questions about how churches can sustain their mission and outreach under such circumstances.
Additionally, the destruction of church buildings and religious infrastructure during herdsmen attacks has further compounded the problem. Reports indicate that several churches in Agatu have been burned, vandalized, or looted during violent invasions. These acts not only reflect a direct attack on religious freedom but also symbolically demoralize the Christian communities. Rebuilding efforts are slow due to limited financial resources and the ongoing insecurity, which discourages both internal and external support. This destruction undermines the physical and spiritual foundation of church growth in affected communities.
The climate of fear and insecurity has also affected the morale of pastors and church leaders, who find it increasingly difficult to carry out their responsibilities. The inability to gather congregants, preach the gospel, and conduct sacraments in a safe and peaceful environment directly impacts the spiritual health and numerical growth of churches. Pastors are now expected to act not only as spiritual leaders but also as crisis managers, often without any formal training or resources to deal with trauma, displacement, or conflict resolution. This added burden threatens the effectiveness and sustainability of pastoral ministry in Agatu.
Furthermore, church finances have taken a significant hit due to the economic hardship caused by the crisis. Tithes, offerings, and other forms of financial support have dwindled as members face displacement, loss of livelihoods, or even death. Churches that were once thriving financially are now struggling to stay afloat, unable to fund basic operations, community outreach, or development projects. This financial instability stunts church growth and weakens the capacity of religious institutions to serve as agents of healing, peacebuilding, and social support during times of crisis.
Ultimately, the Fulani herdsmen crisis presents a multidimensional threat to church growth in Agatu LGA. While the broader effects of the conflict have been extensively covered in political and humanitarian discourse, there is a need for focused research on how religious institutions are coping and adapting. Understanding the specific challenges faced by churches in Agatu can help inform effective intervention strategies for faith-based organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations working to restore peace, stability, and spiritual resilience in the region.
- Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine impact of Fulani herdsmen crisis on church growth in Agatu Local government area of Benue State. The specific objectives are:
- To assess the extent of damage caused by Fulani herdsmen crisis on churches.
- To examine the effects of the crisis on the attendance and participation of church members.
- To investigate the response of church leaders and members to the challenges posed by the Fulani herdsmen crisis.
- To analyze the role of churches in promoting peace and reconciliation in the midst of the crisis.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What is the extent of damage caused by the Fulani herdsmen crisis on churches?
- How have the attendance and participation of church members been affected by the crisis?
- How have church leaders and members responded to the challenges posed by the Fulani herdsmen crisis?
- What role do churches play in promoting peace and reconciliation in the midst of the Fulani herdsmen crisis?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Damage caused by Fulani herdsmen crisis will not affect churches in Agatu Local government area.
H1: Damage caused by Fulani herdsmen crisis will affect churches in Agatu Local government area.
1.6. Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it sheds light on an often-overlooked consequence of the Fulani herdsmen crisis—its impact on church growth in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. While much attention has been given to the humanitarian, political, and economic aspects of the conflict, there is limited research on how it affects religious institutions, particularly Christian churches. By focusing on this area, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how violence and insecurity influence spiritual life, religious participation, and church development in conflict zones.
One of the major contributions of this study is its potential to guide church leaders, Christian organizations, and missionaries in developing strategies to maintain and promote church growth during periods of conflict. With firsthand insight into the challenges faced by churches in Agatu, religious leaders can design more effective pastoral approaches, community support systems, and evangelism methods that are responsive to the realities of crisis. This can help churches remain resilient and relevant, even in the face of displacement, destruction, and insecurity.
Additionally, this study will serve as a useful resource for policymakers and government agencies working on peacebuilding and community restoration in Benue State and similar regions. Understanding how the conflict affects religious life allows policymakers to develop more comprehensive intervention programs that go beyond immediate humanitarian relief. It emphasizes the importance of protecting religious freedom, rebuilding places of worship, and supporting the emotional and spiritual recovery of affected communities as part of long-term post-conflict development.
The findings of the study will also be beneficial to academic researchers and scholars in fields such as religious studies, conflict resolution, sociology, and development studies. It fills a gap in existing literature by providing empirical data and insights on the intersection between armed conflict and religious institutions in Nigeria. This could inspire further studies in other regions affected by similar crises, fostering broader discussions on faith, resilience, and institutional sustainability during conflict.
Moreover, the study is significant for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international bodies involved in religious freedom advocacy, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding. By highlighting the experiences of churches in Agatu, these organizations can better tailor their interventions to include support for faith-based communities. This could involve funding the reconstruction of churches, providing psychological support to displaced congregants, or facilitating dialogue between conflicting groups to foster peaceful coexistence.
Lastly, the study holds personal significance for the affected communities in Agatu. It validates their experiences and provides a platform for their voices to be heard. Documenting the struggles, resilience, and coping mechanisms of these churches not only preserves their history but also empowers them to advocate for support and recognition. Through this study, the people of Agatu can find encouragement, solidarity, and hope that their faith institutions are not forgotten, and that their efforts to rebuild spiritually and communally are acknowledged and supported.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines the impact of Fulani herdsmen crisis on church growth in Agatu Local government area of Benue State. The study is limited to Churches in Agatu Local government area of Benue State
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Impact: Impact refers to the effect or influence that one event, action, or condition has on another. In the context of this study, impact refers to the ways in which the Fulani herdsmen crisis has affected or influenced church growth—whether positively or negatively—in Agatu Local Government Area.
Fulani: The Fulani are an ethnic group primarily found across West and Central Africa. In Nigeria, they are predominantly known for their nomadic lifestyle and cattle rearing practices. Many of the herdsmen involved in the current conflicts in Nigeria belong to this ethnic group. It is important to note, however, that not all Fulani people are herdsmen or involved in conflict.
Herdsmen: Herdsmen are individuals who tend to livestock, particularly cattle, and are usually involved in nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralism. In Nigeria, Fulani herdsmen have traditionally moved across regions in search of grazing land. In recent years, their movements have led to conflicts with farming communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region.
Crisis: A crisis refers to a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger, often requiring urgent action. The Fulani herdsmen crisis refers specifically to the violent clashes between herders and farmers, which have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement—posing serious social and security challenges, particularly in areas like Agatu.
Church Growth: Church growth refers to the increase in the number of church members, the expansion of church infrastructure, and the deepening of spiritual life within a Christian community. It includes both quantitative growth (membership and attendance) and qualitative growth (spiritual maturity, outreach, and community impact). In conflict areas, church growth is often hindered due to insecurity, displacement, and trauma.
Project – Impact of Fulani herdsmen crisis on church growth in Agatu Local government area of Benue State
