Massacre of Christians in Nigeria: at least 29 people killed

Kaduna and Benue states in northern and central Nigeria have witnessed a series of violent attacks on Christian congregations during festive services on Easter Sunday on the Western Christian calendar. According to preliminary reports, at least 29 people have been killed by armed gunmen, dozens of parishioners have been kidnapped, and church buildings have been severely damaged.

Christian Today reports that the predominantly Christian town of Ariko in Kaduna state was attacked. Armed groups identified as Fulani militants surrounded the locality and opened fire on worshippers at ECWA Evangelical Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church. Kachia Councilman Mark Bawa confirmed that the attackers operated in large groups, capturing worshippers and taking them to forested areas. The total number of confirmed casualties in Kaduna has risen to 12 after the arrival of army troops.

Meanwhile, another attack in Benue State, in Jande village, claimed the lives of 17 Christians. Eyewitnesses report that armed militia attacked the community in the early hours of the morning, destroying houses and kidnapping people. The state governor, Hayacinth Aliyu, in an official statement, described the events as «heinous» and emphasized their unacceptability to the regional government.

The incidents underscore the growing security threat in the region. According to the Open Doors report, Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, accounting for about 72% of all faith-based killings of Christians worldwide. Between the end of 2024 and September 2025, 3,490 Christian followers were killed in the country. The increase in violence is attributed not only to the activities of groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, but also to the actions of radical Fulani herdsmen seeking to seize territory and impose Islamist ideology.