Dark Easter for Many Nigerians as Killings Mar Celebrations in Plateau, Benue
As over two billion Christians around the world celebrate Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, millions of Nigerian faithful are observing the season under a cloud of grief and insecurity following fresh waves of deadly attacks in Plateau and Benue states.
According to official reports, over 100 residents were killed in coordinated attacks by armed assailants in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State in April 2025. The incident marks the deadliest since Christmas Eve 2023, when around 150 people were massacred in Bokkos. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings, describing them as “genocidal,” and lamented that over 60 communities have been overtaken by land-grabbing terrorists wielding sophisticated weapons.
In neighboring Benue State, suspected herdsmen launched similar assaults on Ukum and Logo LGAs, killing at least 56 people and displacing thousands. Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the growing insecurity in the region.
Despite the violence, churches across Nigeria joined global Christian communities in celebrating Easter, a season symbolizing peace, love, and hope.
Presidency Responds
President Tinubu, currently in Paris, condemned the killings in his Easter message, vowing that “evil forces will not prevail.” He assured Nigerians that the government is committed to restoring peace and has directed the Armed Forces to intensify operations against criminal elements nationwide.
Opposition Leaders React
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the federal government for its lack of urgency and empathy in the face of ongoing violence, describing the Tinubu administration as “incompetent and indifferent.” Similarly, Labour Party’s Peter Obi called for decisive action, urging collaboration with traditional rulers to address security challenges at the grassroots.
Calls for Peace and Unity
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas both used the occasion of Easter to call for national unity and an end to the bloodshed. Akpabio urged perpetrators to “respect the sacredness of human life,” while Abbas emphasized the need for Nigerians to embody Christ-like values and support each other during challenging times.
IGP Orders Nationwide Security Boost
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered enhanced security measures across the country to safeguard lives during the Easter period. The IGP emphasized the need for visible policing, strategic deployments, and active intelligence gathering. Citizens were also urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information to prevent further unrest.
