In the aftermath of Holy Week massacres in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states, which reportedly left more than 170 people dead, a priest has shared first-hand testimony of the deadly attacks. Source: CNA.
The attacks, allegedly by Fulani militants, targeted Christian farming communities in Ukum and Logo counties, raising concerns over religious persecution and government inaction in the West African nation.
At least 72 deaths were reported in Benue state alone during the Easter Triduum, between April 18–20.
Fr Moses Aondoanenge Igba, parish priest of St Joseph Aboki Parish in the Katsina-Ala Diocese, spoke of the horror that unfolded between Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
“It was a massive killing. I would say that above 70 people were killed at that time. After the attack, people continued counting their losses. When they could not find their missing brothers, sisters, or relatives, they searched the bushes and discovered their decomposing bodies, led by the odour,” Fr Igba told ACI Africa.
He described the deadly attacks as well-organised and systematic.
“What happened on that Holy Thursday, which I call Black Thursday, and the following day, Black Friday, was a massive attack and massive killing of innocent people in our communities.”
Alluding to previous deadly attacks in Nigeria during Christian festivities, the priest attributed the repeated killings to the agenda of Islamisation on the part of the perpetrators and their accomplices.
Fr Igba explained that beyond the religious motives, there seems to be an economic intent to cripple agricultural activities.
“In terms of food security, it is like they want to destroy what we have so that we can starve and abandon our land,” he said.
Fr Igba cautioned the faithful against despair in the face of the attacks and the related tragedies.
“My message to the faithful is that whether we have human defenders or not, God is our ultimate defender. Particularly now that we are in the Year of Hope, we must not believe that all is lost. Hope must guide us,” he said, referring to the theme of the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.
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Catholic priest recounts massacres in Nigeria during Lent and Holy Week (By Abah Anthony John, CNA)
