Bloody Easter: Fresh Attacks Hit Benue, Kaduna, Borno Despite Security Assurances

Nigeria witnessed a wave of violence over the Easter weekend, as deadly attacks in Benue, Kaduna, and Borno states left several people dead, others abducted, and properties destroyed—despite earlier assurances by the Federal Government to ensure a peaceful celebration.

The incidents came just days after the Palm Sunday killings in Plateau State, raising fresh concerns about the country’s worsening security situation.

In Benue State, at least 17 people were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area on Easter Sunday. Residents said the attackers stormed the area, opened fire, and set homes ablaze, forcing many to flee while others remain missing.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous and unacceptable,” and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. Authorities also confirmed that investigations are ongoing, while security has been reinforced in the area.

Sources revealed that the community had earlier received warnings about possible attacks and alerted relevant authorities, but the violence still occurred. Some residents said only men were left in the village during the attack, as women and children had been moved to safety beforehand.

In Kaduna State, terrorists targeted Christian worshippers in Ariko community, Kachia LGA, attacking two churches during Easter services. At least seven people were killed, while several others were abducted.

Local officials said the attackers operated for nearly an hour without interruption, blaming poor communication networks for the delayed response. However, the Nigerian Army later announced that troops successfully rescued 31 abducted worshippers after engaging the attackers in a gun battle. The military also confirmed recovering the bodies of five victims killed before the rescue.

Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Awapul community in Chibok LGA in the early hours of Sunday. Although no lives were lost, houses and shops were destroyed, forcing residents to flee. The attackers reportedly operated for over an hour.

The incident followed earlier assaults on an IDP camp and a police facility in the state, where security personnel were killed and infrastructure damaged.

Reacting to the rising violence, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, warned that Nigeria is facing deepening instability. In his Easter message, he described the country as being in a state of “endless turbulence,” citing insecurity, economic hardship, and leadership failures.

Similarly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed sympathy to victims and their families, while assuring Nigerians that the country would eventually overcome its security challenges.

However, the #FixPolitics Initiative criticised the Federal Government’s response to recent attacks, calling it slow and inadequate. The group warned that repeated violence and delayed reactions risk normalising insecurity across the country.

As attacks continue across multiple regions, concerns are growing over the safety of citizens, especially during religious gatherings and festive periods.