Palm Sunday massacre leaves dozens dead in violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria

By emmitt barryWorthy News Washington DC Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – At least 30 people have been killed in a brutal Palm Sunday attack in Ungwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of ​​Nigeria’s Plateau State, according to International Christian Concern, another deadly incident during one of Christianity’s holiest seasons.

According to eyewitnesses, heavily armed gunmen entered the community on Sunday evening and fired indiscriminately at residents. The attack was said to be coordinated, causing several casualties and affecting homes and spreading panic in the area.

Local reports indicate that earlier in the day, additional violence broke out in nearby areas – including Angwa Rukuba Junction and nearby student housing – where at least 10 more people were killed. A humanitarian worker said the victims were Christians who were targeted during Palm Sunday.

The statements of witnesses varied regarding the identity of the attackers. Some pointed to the jihadist group Boko Haram, while others claimed the culprits were armed Fulani militants, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles and fled towards a nearby mountainous area. At present, officials have not confirmed the identity of the attackers.

In response to the increasing violence, the Plateau State government imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of northern Jos. Despite the restrictions, protests broke out as unhappy residents – many of whom were young – took to the streets, blocking roads and demanding justice.

In a separate but equally tragic incident, at least 13 people were killed in Kaduna State when gunmen attacked a gathering in Kahir village in Kagarko local government area. The victims, aged between 21 and 31, were said to have gathered for a bachelor party celebration when the attackers opened fire. Several others were injured and are receiving medical care.

This latest wave of violence follows a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting Christian communities during the Easter season in Nigeria. Reports over the years indicate repeated incidents of killings and destruction during Holy Week, especially in Plateau State. In 2025 alone, more than 50 Christians were killed following Palm Sunday celebrations in surrounding areas.

The recurrence of such violence during sacred Christian rituals underscores growing concerns over religious persecution in the region, as believers continue to gather for worship under increasing threat.

A time of prayer and hope

Even in the midst of such tragedy, the global church is called to stand in prayer for Nigeria – lifting up the persecuted, the grieving, and those who continue to gather boldly in the name of Christ. Scripture reminds us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has no power to overcome it” (John 1:5). As violence escalates, believers around the world are called to intervene, trusting that God’s redemptive purposes will prevail even in the darkest times.

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