Palm Sunday Massacre Leaves Dozens Dead in Nigeria as Violence Targets Christian Communities

Key Facts

Published: March 31, 2026 Location: Nigeria Source: International Christian Concern

• At least 30 people were killed in a Palm Sunday attack in Plateau state, Nigeria, with additional fatalities reported earlier in the day
• Victims were believed to be Christians targeted during worship-related gatherings, according to local and humanitarian sources
• A separate attack in Kaduna state left at least 13 more people dead during a social gathering

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

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

According to eyewitnesses, heavily armed gunmen entered the community Sunday evening and opened fire indiscriminately on residents. The assault was described as coordinated, with multiple casualties and homes impacted as panic spread through the area.

Local reports indicated that earlier in the day, additional violence erupted in nearby areas—including Angwa Rukuba Junction and surrounding student housing—where at least 10 more people were killed. A humanitarian worker stated that the victims were Christians targeted during Palm Sunday observances.

Witness accounts differed regarding the identity of the attackers. Some pointed to the jihadist group Boko Haram, while others claimed the perpetrators were armed Fulani militants who reportedly arrived on motorcycles and fled toward nearby mountainous terrain. As of now, authorities have not confirmed the attackers’ identities.

In response to the escalating violence, the Plateau state government imposed a 48-hour curfew across parts of northern Jos. Despite the restrictions, protests broke out as grieving residents—many of them youth—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, Kagarko Local Government Area. The victims, aged between 21 and 31, had reportedly gathered for a bachelor’s 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 from prior years show repeated incidents of killings and destruction during Holy Week, particularly in Plateau state. In 2025 alone, more than 50 Christians were killed following Palm Sunday celebrations in nearby areas.

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

A Time for 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 courageously continue to gather in the name of Christ. Scripture reminds us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). As violence rises, so too does the call for believers worldwide to intercede, trusting that God’s redemptive purposes will prevail even in the darkest hour.

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