Wave of violence kills at least 26 in Nigeria as army thwarts mass church abduction
Nigeria experienced a wave of coordinated violence across its northern and central regions this Easter weekend, resulting in at least 26 deaths. The violence included a deadly raid on a farming community in the Mbalom community of Benue State on Saturday between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. local time, where armed men killed at least 17 residents. Governor Hyacinth Alia described the act as "barbaric" and "a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state."
In Borno, an Islamic State-affiliated group attacked a police headquarters around 4:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, killing four police officers. On Sunday, gunmen targeted two churches in Ariko village, Kaduna State, during Easter services, but Nigerian troops rescued 31 civilians who had been taken hostage. The army recovered the remains of five victims at the scene, while Caleb Maaji reported that seven people were killed.
The military has increased its presence in the Kaduna area to track the perpetrators.
Quick Summary
Nigeria is grappling with a surge of violence across its northern and central regions this Easter weekend, involving armed groups and security forces. These coordinated attacks across multiple states suggest a growing challenge - one that could have far-reaching implications.
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