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Christians Massacred in Nigeria in Attacks on Easter Worship Services

Over 30 were murdered in three coordinated attacks from Islamist Fulani militants. Dozens more were abducted. Open Doors: At least 33 people have been killed and many kidnapped in fresh attacks over the Easter weekend in northern Nigeria. It comes a week after at least 27 people were killed on Palm Sunday in a predominantly Christian village in Plateau State. On Easter Sunday, suspected Fulani militants launched simultaneous attacks on the Christian communities of Mbalom and Mbasombo, in Benue State, killing 26 people. It transformed a day of celebration, peace and reflection into mourning and displacement. On the same day, two churches in Ariko village, Kaduna State, were attacked. Seven people were killed and multiple people were kidnapped, according to Caleb ⁠Maaji, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for Kaduna State, although other reports say the death toll is five (Open Doors). Truth Nigeria disputes claims that some of those abducted were freed: Despite published claims (including by TruthNigeria) that 31 persons were rescued from abduction on Easter Sunday, the claim is false, TruthNigeria has learned. In fact, 36 people remain in captivity. The community leaders who spoke to TruthNigeria disputed claims of military intervention. “The military did not rescue anyone,” he said. “They came after the attackers had already left.” “They even left without deploying a single soldier to assist us,” he added (Truth Nigeria).