Separate assaults in Benue, Borno, and Kaduna states left civilians and police dead as violence continues across multiple regions.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
At least 26 people were killed in a series of attacks carried out over the Easter weekend in northern Nigeria, according to military officials and local authorities.
The deadliest incident occurred Saturday in the Mbalom community in Gwer West, located in Benue State, where armed assailants killed at least 17 people. While Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the attack, local residents reported the death toll.
The violence in Benue reflects ongoing instability in Nigeria’s north-central region, where conflicts between Fulani herders and farming communities have repeatedly escalated into deadly confrontations. Armed criminal groups are also active in the area.
A resident of the affected community, Tarhana Samson, described the impact of the attack, stating it was “devastating.” He added, “The rainy season is coming, and this is when people are preparing to go to their farms. How do they do that now?”
In a separate incident early Saturday, attackers targeted a police headquarters in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. According to Borno Police Public Relations Officer Kenneth Daso, four police officers were killed following an extended gun battle with a group identified as being affiliated with the Islamic State.
Another attack occurred Sunday during an Easter service in Ariko village in Kaduna State, where gunmen killed five people. Nigerian army officials said the assailants attempted to abduct 31 individuals but fled after troops responded to a distress call.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene,” the army said in a statement. “The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.”
Kaduna State has experienced repeated attacks on churches and frequent abductions. In January, more than 150 worshippers were abducted from Kurmin Wali village in the Kajuru area, approximately 60 kilometers from the site of Sunday’s attack.
Violence targeting civilian populations and security forces has remained a persistent challenge across northern Nigeria. Some observers have raised concerns about religious targeting, particularly against Christian communities. Nigerian officials have rejected claims describing the violence as a campaign against a specific religious group.
The United States previously conducted military operations in the region, including strikes in Sokoto on Dec. 25 targeting individuals identified as linked to the Islamic State.
Authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the weekend attacks. Investigations are ongoing.
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