Netanyahu Pledges Support for Nigerian Christians Following Deadly Easter Weekend Attacks Across Multiple States

Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to defend religious liberty as Nigeria records 26 deaths in a series of violent attacks over the Easter holiday weekend.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 6, 2026, 8:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from GUARDIAN Newspapers

Israeli Solidarity Amid Rising Religious Persecution

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu utilized his annual Easter greetings to draw international attention to the targeted violence against Christian communities in Nigeria and the broader Middle East. In a statement released on X, the Israeli leader categorized Nigeria alongside nations like Syria and Lebanon where believers face significant threats to their safety. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting life and liberty, asserting that every individual should have the fundamental right to pray without the looming threat of violence or systemic harassment.

A Bloody Holiday Weekend in Benue and Borno

The Prime Minister’s comments coincided with a series of lethal assaults that marred the Easter festivities across several Nigerian regions. Local authorities reported that at least 17 residents were killed during a Saturday raid on Mbalom village, located within the Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State. Simultaneously, the Nigerian military documented a separate confrontation in Borno State that resulted in the deaths of four police officers, underscoring the volatile security environment that persists in both the central and northern corridors of the country.

Worshippers Targeted During Holy Week Services

Religious gatherings became direct targets for militants, with a notable assault occurring during a church service in Kaduna State that claimed five lives. This followed a devastating Palm Sunday shooting in the Jos area of Plateau State, where the death toll reached approximately 30 individuals. The scale of these attacks prompted regional governments to implement strict curfews and deploy additional military personnel to prevent further bloodshed as congregations gathered for Holy Week observances in high risk zones.