Bloody Holy Week: 147 killed in Nigeria
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By Clifford Ndujihe, Politics Editor Nigeria was soaked in blood during the 2026 Christian Holy Week, as no fewer than 147 persons were killed in a wave of coordinated attacks, communal clashes, terrorist raids and criminal violence across the country between March 29 and April 5. Read Also: Drug Addiction: Youths hit hard as 14.3m Nigerians consumed illicit drugs in one year This figure is conservative as many incidents are under-reported or not reported The killings, which cut across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Borno, Zamfara, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Imo states, have sparked outrage among citizens, religious leaders and civil society groups, with renewed calls for urgent security reforms. Palm Sunday carnage The bloodletting began on March 29, Palm Sunday, which also happened to be President Bola Tinubu’s 74th birthday anniversary with a combined death toll of 41 in Plateau and Kaduna states. While 28 persons were massacred in Angwa Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area, 13 wedding guests were gunned down in Kahir village, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. Same day, a domestic violence incident in Ogoja, Cross River State claimed one life, while a clash between troops of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army and youths in Ukpe Ete, Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State left two persons dead and several injured. Terror, banditry spread On March 30, Boko Haram terrorists struck Kaunkan village in Chibok LGA of Borno State, killing nine persons, including a hunters’ commander, Mallam Bumto. In Zamfara, bandits intercepted a Sokoto Transport Authority bus, killing one passenger and abducting 15 others. Security forces recorded limited gains, neutralizing two IPOB/ESN IED specialists in Orsu, Imo State, and three terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State on March 31. However, the same day, at least 20 residents were killed in coordinated night attacks on communities in Niger State, with scores displaced. Clashes, reprisals escalate On April 1, gunmen attacked Herpang community near Plateau State Polytechnic, killing two persons. April 2 witnessed one of the deadliest incidents, as clashes between indigenes and Fulani settlers in Nasarawa State left no fewer than 20 persons dead, with many still missing. By April 4, terrorists intensified attacks in the North-East. Four police officers and a local hunter were killed in coordinated assaults on Nganzai and Damasak communities in Borno State. In Plateau, three persons were shot dead in Nyango Gyel, Jos South LGA. Easter Sunday tragedy The violence peaked on April 5, Easter Sunday, with 24 deaths recorded in Benue and Kaduna states. In Benue, 17 residents were killed in Agene community, Mbalom, Gwer East LGA, in an attack blamed on suspected herders. In Kaduna, terrorists targeted worshippers at ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ariko, Kachia LGA, killing seven persons and abducting several others. Presidency reacts President Tinubu condemned the spate of killings, descri...