The relentless violence gripping Nigeria has once again come to a head during Easter celebrations, exposing a long-standing yet often overlooked crisis. Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with unchecked brutality that has left thousands dead and displaced tens of thousands more.

The latest wave of atrocities, which began on April 4—Holy Saturday—serves as a grim reminder of the country’s deepening instability. Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of the Kontagora diocese, which covers parts of Niger and Kebbi states, paints a harrowing picture of the attacks. Armed bandits, believed to have departed from the Borgu Reserve in Niger State, traveled over 100 kilometers on more than 50 motorcycles, stopping to rest and eat without interference from Nigerian security forces.

During their rampage, the attackers targeted villages including Debe, Kelkemi, Binua, and Kaura—all within the Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State. These communities fall under the Kontagora diocese, where devastation was widespread. “The Catholic church and the catechist’s home in Debe were completely destroyed,” Bishop Yohanna revealed. “The catechist, his wife, and his family narrowly escaped, while a Pentecostal pastor from the Redeemer’s Church in Debe was killed.” A mosque was also demolished in the assault.

Criminal gangs unleash terror

Pinpointing the exact death toll remains challenging, the bishop noted, as “the bandits remained in Debe for two days, preventing the retrieval and burial of bodies.” Based on missing persons reports, at least 24 fatalities are suspected, with roughly 500 people still hiding in the Yauri parish and elsewhere in the diocese. The violence has spared no religious group—Christians, Muslims, and followers of traditional beliefs have all been targeted. Bishop Yohanna attributes the attacks to Fulani herders seeking to forcibly seize land. “Since July 2025, the situation has deteriorated rapidly in the Kontagora diocese,” he explained. “In the Borgu deanery—west of the Niger River and near the Benin border—bandits now control over 10,000 square kilometers. Outside military outposts in Babana, Papiri, and Agwara, the entire region is under their dominion, not the Nigerian government.”

Communities live in fear

Fear has driven many worshippers away from churches, with congregants fearing attacks during services or prayers. Easter services were significantly scaled back, and numerous faithful were unable to attend. In four parishes within the diocesan deanery, priests have fled due to threats or kidnapping risks. The Nigerian Bishops’ Conference has repeatedly condemned all forms of violence and urged the government to take decisive action, but the bishop admits the Church’s influence is limited. “We are powerless to restore peace,” he stated. “These crimes are orchestrated by faceless criminal gangs with no negotiating partners. The population is at the mercy of ruthless criminals, while authorities react instead of proactively addressing the root causes.”

Nigeria’s deepening crisis

Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna is calling for urgent international diplomatic missions to the affected areas to witness the crisis firsthand. “Global media must amplify the atrocities unfolding hourly,” he urged. “Nigeria is on the brink of collapse—those who can are fleeing the country.”