“Bloody Holy Week”: 147 Killed Across Nigeria in Wave of Violence

Nigeria was soaked in blood during the 2026 Christian Holy Week, as no fewer than 147 persons were killed in a wave of coordinated attacks, communal clashes, terrorist raids and criminal violence across the country between March 29 and April 5.

The figure is conservative — many incidents remain under-reported or unreported entirely.

The killings, which cut across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Borno, Zamfara, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Imo states, have sparked outrage among citizens, religious leaders and civil society groups, with renewed calls for urgent security reforms.

Palm Sunday Carnage

The bloodletting began on March 29 — Palm Sunday, which also happened to be President Tinubu’s 74th birthday. A combined death toll of 41 was recorded in Plateau and Kaduna states alone. Twenty-eight persons were massacred in Angwa Rukuba community, Jos North LGA, while 13 wedding guests were gunned down in Kahir village, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State.

That same day, a domestic violence incident in Ogoja, Cross River State claimed one life, while a clash between Nigerian Army troops and youths in Ukpe Ete, Akwa Ibom State left two dead and several injured.

Terror and Banditry Spread

On March 30, Boko Haram terrorists struck Kaunkan village in Chibok LGA of Borno State, killing nine persons including a hunters’ commander, Mallam Bumto. In Zamfara, bandits intercepted a Sokoto Transport Authority bus, killing one passenger and abducting 15 others.

Security forces recorded limited gains, neutralising two IPOB/ESN IED specialists in Orsu, Imo State, and three terrorists in Bama LGA, Borno State on March 31. But the same day, at least 20 residents were killed in coordinated night attacks on communities in Niger State.

Clashes and Reprisals Escalate

On April 1, gunmen attacked Herpang community near Plateau State Polytechnic, killing two. April 2 witnessed one of the deadliest incidents, as clashes between indigenes and Fulani settlers in Nasarawa State left no fewer than 20 dead.

By April 4, terrorists had intensified attacks in the North-East, with four police officers and a local hunter killed in coordinated assaults on Nganzai and Damasak communities in Borno State.

Easter Sunday Tragedy

The violence peaked on April 5 — Easter Sunday — with 24 deaths recorded in Benue and Kaduna. In Benue, 17 residents were killed in Agene community, Mbalom, Gwer East LGA, in an attack blamed on suspected herders. In Kaduna, terrorists targeted worshippers at ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ariko, Kachia LGA, killing seven and abducting several others.

President Tinubu condemned the killings as “barbaric and unacceptable,” directing security agencies to respond decisively. But for the families of the 147 dead, words ring hollow against the grim reality that Holy Week 2026 will forever be remembered as one of Nigeria’s bloodiest.