•Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended Easter greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world, promising protection for believers’ freedom of worship as violence continues to affect religious communities in parts of Nigeria.
In a message posted on X yesterday, Netanyahu wrote: “To our Christian friends in Israel, the United States and around the world, we wish you a blessed and joyful Easter. Christians are persecuted across the Middle East, in Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, Turkey and beyond.”
He added that Israel remains “unwavering” in defending life and liberty, ensuring that “every believer can pray in peace.”
His comments singled out Nigeria, where attacks on predominantly Christian communities have occurred in recent weeks and during the Easter period.
At least 17 people were killed in an attack on Mbalom village in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday, authorities and residents said, part of ongoing deadly violence in the region.
The latest deaths follow multiple incidents over the Easter weekend in northern and central Nigeria.
The Nigerian military reported at least 26 deaths in separate Easter weekend attacks, including the Benue incident, a gunfight that killed four police officers in Borno State, and an assault on a church service in Kaduna State in which five people died, the army said.
Earlier in the Easter period, a Palm Sunday shooting in Plateau State’s Jos area left around 30 people dead, prompting curfews and heightened security in the city. Local authorities deployed extra troops to stem violence amid fears that worshippers could face further danger during Holy Week.
Netanyahu’s message also referenced broader regional tensions, noting that “missiles are fired at our capital, the holy city of Jerusalem,” in the context of Israel’s own security challenges, and emphasised continued protection for Christian communities in Israel, which he said are growing and prospering.
Netanyahu’s message was echoed by Israel’s foreign minister, who also extended warm Easter wishes to Christians globally, including those observing the beginning of Holy Week.
