Nigeria's Christians on Edge for Easter

A recent attack in a predominantly Christian town in Nigeria has sparked widespread fear of further violence targeting Christians during the upcoming Easter weekend. The incident occurred during Palm Sunday services last weekend.

Palm Sunday Massacre in Plateau State

Multiple gunmen reportedly opened fire in Angwan Rukuba, a predominantly Christian town in the Jos District of Nigeria’s Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of 28 people. A field worker with the aid agency Voice of the Martyrs reported from the scene that the attackers “stormed the area in a commando style and started shooting, sporadically chanting, ‘Allahu Akbar.’”

Eyewitness Accounts

A local human rights lawyer, who requested anonymity for security reasons, described the attack, stating, “A group of people came, around 20, some on motorcycles, and started shooting.” He emphasized that the area is primarily Christian, suggesting the attack was deliberately targeted. Another local Christian resident, also remaining anonymous, expressed the belief that the violence represents “Islamic expansionism” and must be stopped.

Growing Concerns of Persecution

Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, told Fox News Digital that tragic events like this are “all too common” in Plateau State and northern Nigeria, frequently occurring on Christian holy days. She referenced the devastating 2023 Christmas Eve attacks in Benue state, which killed over 140 people.

Nigeria's Ranking for Christian Persecution

According to Open Doors, Nigeria is ranked as the seventh-worst country globally for Christian persecution. The organization claims Nigeria accounts for 72% of all Christian killings worldwide in 2025.

Threats of Future Attacks

The human rights lawyer reported circulating videos threatening further attacks against Christians. He stated, “Here in Jos in Nigeria, we say that there is no Christian holiday or event left on the Christian calendar that has escaped an attack by radical Islamists or terrorists in Nigeria.”

Voice of the Martyrs' Perspective

Todd Nettleton of the Voice of the Martyrs’ group noted that Easter is “often a season of peril” in countries like Nigeria, with violent attacks frequently targeting Christians during holy days. Blythe added that the fear of brutal attacks will “hang over millions of Christians” across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa as they prepare for Easter.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Nigerian government for comment but did not receive a response.