Nigeria’s Middle Belt once again witnessed harrowing violence during Holy Week this year, with over 170 Christians reportedly killed in a series of attacks across Benue and Plateau states. The bloodshed, which intensified between Holy Thursday and Good Friday, has been attributed to Fulani militants targeting predominantly Christian farming communities.
In the Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Father Moses Aondoanenge Igba, pastor of St. Joseph Aboki Parish, recounted the tragic events that unfolded in Ukum and Logo counties, where at least 72 lives were lost during the Easter Triduum alone. In an April 29 interview with ACI Africa, the priest described the attacks as systematic and well-coordinated, emphasizing that the violence had deeply scarred local communities.
Referring to the attacks as “Black Thursday” and “Black Friday,” Father Igba expressed grief over the brutal killings, highlighting how many bodies were later discovered in nearby bushes after desperate searches by relatives. The violence, he said, not only targeted Christians during a sacred period but also appeared to be part of a broader campaign involving land seizure and religious persecution.
He raised serious concerns about what he described as an ongoing “Islamization agenda” and a strategy aimed at crippling agriculture and food security in the region. “It is more than just terrorism; it is about land occupation and Islamization,” he said, suggesting the attacks are part of a wider effort to displace Christian communities.
Despite the danger, Father Igba has remained with his parishioners, offering refuge and hope. He shared the heartbreaking story of one of his parishioners, Augustine Uzu, who sought safety at the parish house but was killed after returning to his village to retrieve belongings. His body was later recovered and buried under the cover of night.
Another young man survived a machete attack that left him critically injured but alive, after being rushed to a local hospital. The parish compound has since become a haven for people fleeing the violence, with Father Igba choosing to remain as a visible source of strength for those under threat.
Addressing the debate around self-defense, the priest highlighted the disparity in firepower between rural communities and heavily armed attackers. He criticized the government for what he termed “double standards,” pointing out that villagers who attempt to defend themselves are often criminalized, while the armed herders operate unchecked.
As Nigeria prepares for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year in 2025, which is centered on the theme of hope, Father Igba urged the faithful not to lose heart. Drawing parallels between their suffering and the Passion of Christ, he reminded grieving families that the Resurrection follows the Cross.
“Our brothers and sisters have climbed the cross in a difficult and painful way. Those left behind carry the cross of sorrow and betrayal by those meant to protect them,” he said, calling on believers to look forward to a future of healing and justice.
The wave of violence has renewed calls for urgent government action and international attention to the plight of Christian communities in Nigeria’s conflict-stricken Middle Belt.