On Easter Sunday 2026, while Christians worldwide celebrated the hope of resurrection, tragedy struck in Ariko village, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Armed gunmen attacked two churches—an Evangelical congregation and a Catholic parish—during worship services. Reports indicate at least five people were killed, with dozens more taken hostage.

Unfortunately, early reports of Nigerian troops responding and rescuing the hostages were false. Community leaders have disputed the claims of military intervention, and 36 people remain in captivity.

This heartbreaking incident was not isolated. Over the Easter weekend, coordinated violence at the hands of Fulani Ethnic Militias (FEM) affected Christian communities across Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, resulting in dozens of additional deaths and widespread displacement. Just days prior, similar attacks occurred in Plateau State during Palm Sunday observances. Once again, Holy Week in Nigeria’s Middle Belt became a time of mourning rather than celebration.

Nigeria ranks seventh on Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026 for Christian persecution, with approximately 3,490 Christians killed for their faith in the most recent reporting period—representing about 72% of such deaths globally. The primary perpetrators are often Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and ISWAP affiliates. While the Nigerian government frequently characterizes these incidents as “banditry” or “farmer-herder clashes,” the repeated targeting of churches and Christian villages—especially during major Christian holidays—points to a deeply troubling pattern of religious violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past decade.

While some local Nigerian military leaders have taken steps to save lives, leaders in Abuja have yet to show any commitment to stopping the violence. In fact, top officials in Nigeria have yet to commit to any comprehensive, sustained strategy to prevent future attacks. Official framing from the government downplays the religious dimension of the violence, contributing to a perception of impunity. Rural Christian communities in the Middle Belt and northern regions of Nigeria continue to face heightened vulnerability, with little to no protection, and very slow (if any) progress on investigations and prosecutions.

As a close partner of Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation and a key player in regional counter-terrorism and stability—the United States has both a strategic interest and a moral responsibility to engage constructively. Nigeria is also one of the largest recipients of U.S. assistance, making our bilateral relationship an important lever for positive change.

Under President Trump, the State Department designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for severe violations of religious freedom. Congressional leaders, including Rep. Riley Moore and Rep. Chris Smith, have introduced legislation that would strengthen reporting requirements on Nigeria’s efforts to combat anti-Christian violence and provide tools for targeted accountability.

The U.S. government must build on this foundation through pragmatic, results-oriented engagement in the following ways:

  • Condition U.S. military, security, and development assistance on Nigerian counterparts making measurable progress to hold accountable the FEM terrorists operating with impunity throughout the Middle Belt. The U.S. must require immediate accountability, including credible investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for attacks on churches and Christian communities, and truth-telling from the Nigerian authorities. We can no longer accept the Nigerian government’s silence and inaction after massacres.
  • Pressure the Nigerian government to allow local Community Defense Organizations to be established to support the undermanned and underequipped Nigerian military and police to protect vulnerable populations.
  • Require improved intelligence-sharing from the Nigerian government to dismantle militant networks.

Additionally, the U.S. government must stop focusing exclusively on Boko Haram and its terrorist offshoots operating in the north of Nigeria and begin reporting and collecting intel on the Fulani Ethnic Militias killing Christians and depopulating the center of the country. The FEM must be recognized by the U.S. and Nigerian governments as the leading perpetrator of killings against Christians. Only then can they be confronted.

Sustained, high-level dialogue can reinforce that protecting all citizens—regardless of faith—is fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic aspirations and long-term stability. This is not about external imposition, but about supporting a valued partner in fulfilling its responsibility to ensure equal protection under the law for every Nigerian.

Christians in Nigeria are not seeking special treatment; they simply ask for the same security and justice afforded to all. By encouraging decisive action from Abuja, the United States can help break the cycle of violence while strengthening a critical bilateral relationship. American taxpayers deserve to see our assistance contribute to tangible improvements in security and religious freedom, rather than perpetuating the status quo.

The recent Easter attacks serve as a sobering reminder of the urgency. Through thoughtful leverage, continued partnership, and clear expectations, we have an opportunity to support meaningful change that honors the dignity and safety of all Nigerians. The time to act—with resolve and collaboration—is now.