During Palm Sunday week in 2026, Nigeria experienced another wave of extreme violence perpetrated by jihadist groups and militias, particularly affecting Christian communities in various regions of the country
Entire families mourned the loss of loved ones, while fear spread and thousands were forced to flee their homes.
In total, it is estimated that at least 98 people were killed that week alone, amidst a terror crisis that continues to worsen.
The day after Palm Sunday, a brutal attack occurred in the community of Agwan Rukuba, in Jos North, Plateau State-a city historically known as a Christian stronghold.
At least 40 people were murdered.
According to information gathered by local media outlets, the attack was carried out by Boko Haram terrorists, not the usual Fulani militias, although the Nigerian Army has not yet officially confirmed this version.
The incident is reminiscent of another massacre that occurred last year, also on Palm Sunday, when more than 50 Christians were killed in a nearby village.
On the same Sunday night, in Kagarko, in the southern state of Kaduna-an area with a strong Christian presence-armed men stormed a wedding party in a village around 11:47 p.m.
They killed at least 13 people and kidnapped several guests, leaving the community in shock.
Earlier in the week, in Taraba state, Fulani militiamen attacked the St.
James the Great Catholic Church in Adu, Takum district.
Windows were broken, the parish building was looted, and the rectory was damaged.
The fear generated by these attacks has caused more than 90,000 Christians to flee the southern Takum region, according to reports from organizations supporting the persecuted.
Authorities were warned in advance about the risk, but the warnings were ignored.
Another region that has become a new front of violence is Kwara.
On March 23, an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device hit a village near Woro, in the Kaiama district, killing at least one person and injuring several others.
The area was still recovering from a massacre in February that left more than 160 dead.
Videos circulating on social media show entire communities deserted, with residents fleeing for fear of further attacks.
Islamist groups appear to be expanding southward.
In Kebbi, on March 24, terrorists from the Lakurawa group staged a coordinated ambush against soldiers responding to a distress call.
Nine soldiers, one policeman, and one civilian died, and two army trucks were destroyed by fire.
It was one of the most serious attacks against security forces that week.
In Borno state, a historical stronghold of Boko Haram, the terrorists continued their actions.
Soldiers repelled an attack on a military base, killing several insurgents, but in another incident, a bomb exploded in a displaced persons camp in Pulka, killing four civilians and two soldiers.
Survivors reported that some victims lost limbs and that many seriously wounded were taken to hospitals without the government issuing any official statement or providing immediate assistance.
Other sporadic attacks also occurred.
In Mararaba, in Nasarawa state-less than 30 kilometers from Abuja, the capital-Fulani militiamen killed six residents and set houses on fire, showing that the violence is increasingly approaching the center of power.
In Niger and other states, clashes between security forces and bandits resulted in more deaths, including vigilantes and soldiers.
These episodes reveal a worrying pattern: jihadist groups, such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and associated militias, continue to attack Christian communities, churches, and military bases with the apparent aim of expanding their control and imposing a caliphate in parts of Nigeria.
Many analysts see these acts as a systematic attempt to Islamize traditionally Christian regions in the country’s Middle Belt.
The population lives in constant fear, while the lack of effective responses from the authorities fuels a feeling of abandonment.
The security crisis in Nigeria, which has lasted for years, takes a heavy toll on innocent lives and social stability, especially during important religious dates such as Holy Week.
Many hope that the international community and the Nigerian government itself will take concrete measures to protect vulnerable populations and contain the spread of terror.
Published in 03/31/2026 01h26
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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