What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Romans 8:31-36 NIV)
“At least 33 people have been killed and many kidnapped in fresh attacks over the Easter weekend in northern Nigeria. It comes a week after at least 27 people were killed on Palm Sunday in a predominantly Christian village in Plateau State.
“On Easter Sunday, suspected Fulani militants launched simultaneous attacks on the Christian communities of Mbalom and Mbasombo, Benue State, killing 26 people. It transformed a day of celebration, peace and reflection into mourning and displacement.
“On the same day, two churches in Ariko village, Kaduna State, were attacked. Seven people were killed and multiple people were kidnapped, according to Caleb Maaji, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for Kaduna State, although other reports say the death toll is five. The army reports that 31 people have since been rescued, but this has been denied by CAN as well as Kurtumi Unity Development Association, a local resident group.
“On Monday, two people keeping watch on their community in Pwomol village, Plateau State, were killed in an attack by suspected Fulani militants. Another person was seriously injured. One of the attackers, identified as Suleiman, was later arrested and remains in custody.
“The attacks happened just days after at least 27 people were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire on people in the streets of Angwan Rukuba, a mostly Christian community in the city of Jos.
“Since then, tensions in Jos have remained high as alarming, unverified videos suggested more violence could be triggered. The city is a major hub for several church headquarters and regional offices in Nigeria, making it a strategic place for Christians.
““Jos is a city divided along a religious line – one side predominantly Christians and the other predominantly Muslims. In the north are Christian neighbourhoods and next to it are Muslims,” says Illia Djiadi, Senior Analyst for Freedom of Religion or Belief in sub-Saharan Africa for Open Doors. He adds that, when tensions are high, people cannot cross to another region.
“While many services were able to take place during Holy Week, it was in the context of a curfew that was put in place following the Palm Sunday attacks. Restriction of movement and a climate of fear are affecting the church’s ability to function properly, and are having a significant impact on Christian communities. Many churches are having to spend increasing amounts of money on security forces, because of the escalation of violence.
“Christians weren’t the only ones vulnerable to attack in Nigeria over Easter. In Zamfara State, bandits kidnapped more than 150 people from rural villages which are not Christian-majority. Most are women and children. Other residents fled, leaving villages largely deserted.” *
God,
Thank you that you did not spare your Son, but gave him up so that we could come to new life in you. Today we pray for these Christian communities in Nigeria who had gathered together for Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations, but experienced violence, kidnapping, and deaths. We pray for families, church bodies, friends, and others who grieve the vicious loss of these believers. We pray your shalom peace, your comforting presence, and your deep, deep grace would be upon these families and communities of faith.
In the name of Jesus we pray against the spirit of violence that causes these attacks. We pray that the Fulani Muslim militants and others bent on death, destruction of property, and other sorts of brutality will be stopped – whether by security, law enforcement, or military, or by a move of your Spirit. Cut off the work of the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. We pray, Jesus, that you will reveal yourself to them in supernatural ways and they would decide to turn their hearts and lives to you. Align their worldview with your love, peace, and grace.
We pray you will strengthen and encourage all the believers and Jesus-followers in Nigeria. As they face trouble, hardship, persecution, economic hardship, danger, and violence, may they always know your love and grace is with them. Protect this part of your greater Body from further attack, we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)
* https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/nigeria-easter-attacks/
https://persecution.org/2026/04/06/dozens-killed-in-easter-attacks-across-nigeria/