Fresh waves of violence have cast a dark shadow over the Easter celebration across parts of Nigeria, as deadly attacks in Benue State, Kaduna State, and Borno State left several people dead, many abducted, and properties destroyed, despite earlier government promises to secure the festive period.
The renewed attacks come only days after the killings recorded during Palm Sunday in Plateau State, further intensifying national concerns over worsening insecurity.
Benue community hit during Easter
In Mbalom community, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, no fewer than 17 persons were reportedly killed when armed attackers invaded the area during Easter celebrations.
Residents said the assailants stormed the village unexpectedly, shooting at people and setting houses on fire. Several villagers were said to have fled into surrounding bushes, while some others remain unaccounted for.
Security officials in the state confirmed the incident, while local sources described the attack as devastating, especially as it happened during a period traditionally associated with peace and worship.
Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the killings, describing the incident as cruel and unacceptable. He assured residents that security agencies had been directed to intensify operations and bring those behind the attack to justice.
The governor also raised concerns over what he described as a recurring pattern of targeted violence against vulnerable rural communities in the state.
Fresh terror in Southern Kaduna
In Kaduna State, armed terrorists reportedly attacked Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area during church services held for Easter.
At least seven worshippers were killed, while several others were taken away by the attackers.
Community leaders said the gunmen invaded two churches, opening fire on worshippers before fleeing with abducted victims into nearby forests.
Residents lamented that the attackers operated for a prolonged period, blaming poor communication networks and delayed security response for the scale of the tragedy.
However, the Nigerian Army later announced that troops responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and successfully rescued 31 abducted worshippers.
According to the military, soldiers engaged the fleeing attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon the hostages.
The army also confirmed that bodies of some victims who had already been killed were recovered during the rescue effort, while additional troops have since been deployed to strengthen security in the area.
Boko Haram strikes Borno again
In another development, suspected Boko Haram fighters launched an overnight attack on Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.
Although no deaths were officially recorded, several houses and shops were burnt during the raid.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and operated for more than an hour, causing panic and forcing many residents to flee to safer areas.
The incident came barely a day after terrorists attacked an internally displaced persons camp in Damasak and a police formation in Nganzai, where security personnel reportedly lost their lives.
Kukah raises alarm over worsening crisis
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, used his Easter message to express grave concern over the state of the nation.
He warned that Nigeria is drifting deeper into instability, describing the country as being trapped in a cycle of insecurity, hardship, and failed leadership.
According to him, the continued bloodshed and displacement of citizens have created a national emergency that demands urgent and sincere action.
He also criticised what he sees as repeated failures by the political class to deliver on promises made to the people.
Hopeful message from Senate President
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed optimism that the country would eventually overcome its security challenges.
Speaking during Easter worship in Akwa Ibom, he acknowledged the pain of families who have lost loved ones and urged Nigerians not to lose hope.
Drawing from the symbolism of Easter, he said the nation would ultimately triumph over fear, violence, and insecurity.
Group faults government response
Also reacting, the #FixPolitics Initiative criticised the Federal Government’s response to the recent killings in Plateau and other affected states.
The group described the response as slow and insufficient, arguing that repeated condemnations after attacks have failed to deter perpetrators.
It called for visible, decisive, and timely leadership, warning that continued delays risk normalising mass violence across the country.