Bloody April for Christians in Nigeria with death toll surpassing 240

 By Diana Chandler - Posted at Baptist Press:

Published April 23, 2025

PLATEAU, Nigeria (BP) — More than 240 Christians were massacred in attacks on villages in Plateau and Benue states during Lent and Easter, some as they worshiped, news agencies and religious liberty advocates reported.

In the latest attacks, suspected Fulani militants killed at least 72 Christians in villages in Ukum and Logo counties in Benue April 18-20, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported April 22. Thousands fled, added to the many displaced in the region, and the death toll may rise as authorities search the surrounding forests, ICC said.

Perhaps the deadliest weekend was Palm Sunday. Initial reports, from ICC, Christian Daily International-Morning Star News and others, were of a pre-dawn attack of more than an hour on Zikke village following Palm Sunday service, killing between 51 and 54 Christians, with a death toll potentially rising.

In its latest report, ICC said the Palm Sunday massacre extended beyond Zikke village to include attacks on several villages simultaneously, with a death toll of at least 100. Christians were targeted while worshiping, ICC said, whole communities were razed and many were forced to flee.

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