Report by Lenient Israel
National Security: Coordinated attacks during the Easter period have left several communities in mourning.
JOS/MAKURDI — What was meant to be a weekend of celebration turned into a period of deep mourning as coordinated attacks across Nigeria’s central and northern regions claimed the lives of at least 26 people during the Easter festivities.
The deadliest incident occurred in the Mbalom community of Gwer West, Benue State, where 17 residents were killed in a pre-dawn raid on Easter Sunday. Survivors described a scene of chaos as gunmen set fire to homes and opened fire on fleeing civilians. Simultaneously, in Borno State, four police officers lost their lives defending a local headquarters against an assault by Islamic State-affiliated militants.
Vigilance: Military forces have ramped up patrols following the bloodbath in the North-Central region.
Church Attacks in Kaduna
In Kaduna State, gunmen interrupted an Easter service in Ariko village, killing five worshippers before the arrival of military reinforcements. While the army successfully prevented the abduction of 31 others, the incident has reignited fears among religious communities in the region.
"We are tired of the bloodletting. Every holiday is now a period of fear rather than faith. We call on the President to do more than just offer condolences; we need boots on the ground that can stay," a community leader in Benue lamented.
The military has confirmed that "blood trails" indicate the fleeing terrorists sustained significant casualties during the counter-operation, but for the families of the 26 victims, the path to justice remains long and uncertain.
Report by Lenient Israel