Violence in Nigeria continues to spiral out of control, leaving communities shattered and lives lost. The country, Africa’s most populous, faces an unrelenting wave of attacks that have displaced tens of thousands and claimed countless lives. The Easter weekend massacres, which began on Holy Saturday, serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis.

Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who oversees the Kontagora diocese spanning Niger and Kebbi states, paints a harrowing picture of the recent atrocities. Armed gangs, believed to be Fulani herders, launched coordinated attacks from their hideout in Borgu Reserve, Niger state. Travelling over 100 km on more than 50 motorcycles, they evaded Nigerian security forces at every turn. Their targets included the village of Debe and surrounding urban areas—Kelkemi, Binua, and Kaura—all within the Shanga local government area of Kebbi state, firmly under Bishop Yohanna’s jurisdiction.

The bishop’s account is chilling: «The Catholic church and the catechist’s home in Debe were completely destroyed», he reveals. «The catechist, his wife, and family narrowly escaped with their lives, while the Pentecostal pastor of the Redeemer Church in Debe was brutally murdered». A mosque was also demolished in the assault.

Understanding the attackers

Pinpointing the exact death toll remains challenging, as the attackers barred burials in Debe for two full days. «Based on the number of missing, we estimate at least 24 fatalities», Bishop Yohanna states. Over 500 displaced individuals now seek refuge in parishes like Yauri, across the Niger River, and elsewhere in the diocese. The violence hasn’t spared any faith—Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers have all been targeted.

The bishop links these brutal acts to land grabs by Fulani herders, escalating since July 2025. «In the Kontagora diocese, particularly in Borgu deanery west of the Niger River and near Benin’s border, gangs control over 10,000 km²», he explains. «While Nigerian military and police maintain a presence in Babana, Papiri, and Agwara, the rest of the area is under their ruthless control—not the government’s».

Communities gripped by fear

Fear has paralyzed daily life. Worshippers now dread attending church services, fearing they could be targeted by armed militias. Easter celebrations were significantly scaled back, with many unable to participate. In four parishes within the diocese, priests have fled due to threats of abduction or violence. The Nigerian Bishops’ Conference has consistently condemned the violence and urged authorities to restore order, but Bishop Yohanna admits the Church’s hands are tied: «We are powerless to restore peace», he laments. «These attacks are orchestrated by faceless bandits who answer to no one. There’s no one to negotiate with. The population is entirely at the mercy of these heartless criminals, while authorities react instead of taking proactive steps».

Nigeria’s descent into chaos

Bishop Yohanna urges swift international intervention, calling for diplomatic missions to witness the devastation firsthand. «International media must amplify the atrocities unfolding hourly», he stresses. «Nigeria is teetering on collapse—those who can are fleeing the country»