•Terrorists
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.
This figure is conservative as many incidents are under-reported or not reported, reports Saturday Vanguard.
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, describing them as “barbaric and unacceptable,” and directed security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information, the President said: “No community should live in fear during a sacred period of worship. We will not relent until these enemies of peace are crushed.”
Security agencies speak
The Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force said intensified operations were underway nationwide, noting recent neutralisation of insurgents in Borno and Imo states as evidence of ongoing efforts.
A senior military source, however, admitted that “the asymmetric nature of the threats and vast ungoverned spaces” continue to pose serious challenges.
Stakeholders decry killings
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, described the attacks, particularly those on Easter worshippers, as “a direct assault on faith and humanity,” urging government to declare a state of emergency on security.
Security experts and civil society organisations warned that the persistent killings reflect systemic failures.
A security analyst said: “What we are seeing is a dangerous convergence of terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts. Without coordinated intelligence and local policing, the cycle will continue.”
Rising fears
With 147 lives lost in just seven days, an equivalent of 21 deaths a day, many Nigerians fear the country may be sliding deeper into insecurity, despite repeated assurances by authorities.
As the nation mourns, the Holy Week tragedy has once again underscored the urgency of decisive, coordinated and sustained action to stem the tide of bloodshed.
