A Peaceful Morning in Maseh
In the village of Maseh in Nigeria’s Plateau State, where farmland and gardens separate thatch-roof dwellings, Pastor John Ali Doro awoke and began preparing for the day. Pastor John filled various roles in life. He was leader of a small but committed group of Jesus followers. He was husband to a woman he loved. He was father to seven children and grandfather to a handful of boys and girls. Life was good, but no pastor in Nigeria assumes such a role without accepting risk. Christians are the minority among the predominantly Muslim Fulani, an ethnic group that raises cattle in the region.
The Attack on the Church
The Fulani have increasingly become more radical and violent in their attacks against Christians. John knew that radical Islamic groups killed dozens of pastors. Gunfire suddenly shattered the morning peace. Shouts of terror pierced the air. “The Fulani are coming!” someone yelled. Pastor John dived into a nearby ditch to hide from the armed attackers. From a distance, he saw the Fulani zeroing in on the church. It was the largest building in the village, and people had run into it for safety. Flames soon burst through the windows.
Loss, Mockery, and Aftermath
Helpless, Pastor John watched and listened in agony as dozens of his brothers and sisters in Christ-some members of his own family-wailed as they burned to death. “Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!” shouted the Fulani, the words meaning “God is great.” Then Pastor John heard one say, “Let’s see if their God can save them now!” After Nigerian Special Forces finally drove the attackers away, the smell of human flesh proved a prelude to the painful revelation inside. Forty-four people lay dead, including Pastor John’s wife, four of his seven children, and two of his grandchildren. The killing wasn’t over.
To be continued …
Date: 7th February 2026
Martyr: John
Location: Nigeria
Source: The Voice of Martyrs “I am n”
Author: Not specified
Suffering Saturday 181
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