At least 24 people were killed and more than 30 kidnapped on Easter Sunday (5 April) during attacks by suspected Islamist militants on Christian-majority communities in Middle Belt, Nigeria.
Gunmen opened fire as they stormed into the community of Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of the morning.
Seventeen villagers were killed and homes were set ablaze.
State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack as heinous and barbaric. In a statement, Alia highlighted what he described as a pattern of “calculated and selective attacks” against Benue communities and pledged to strengthen security measures to prevent further violence.
Later on Easter Sunday, large numbers of extremists targeted worship celebrations at two churches in Ariko, a community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Seven worshippers were killed in the assault, and another 31 Christians were kidnapped.
The army later claimed to have freed the hostages, but this was disputed by local leaders.
Speaking the following day (6 April), Rev John Hayab, of the Christian Association of Nigeria, stated, “Nobody has been rescued… If they are rescued, where did they take them to?” Another community leader also questioned the rescue claims, “As far as we are concerned, all the abducted victims are still with the bandits.”
The Easter Sunday atrocities took place only a week after Fulani militants murdered 29 people on Palm Sunday in a Christian-majority community of Angwan Rukuba in Plateau State.
How you can pray
Pray for the families who grieve the loss of loved ones this Easter. Ask the Lord to comfort them, knowing that our Saviour Jesus Christ defeated death through His sacrifice on the cross and opened the way to eternal life for all who follow Him. Pray for protection for the kidnapped Christians, and for their swift release. Ask that the hearts of the men of violence will be transformed, and that peace will replace brutality.
