At least 26 people were killed in multiple attacks across northern Nigeria over Easter weekend, according to reports citing Nigerian military and local officials. Seventeen of the victims were killed Saturday when armed men attacked the Mbalom community in Gwer West, located in Benue State.

Benue State Gov. Hyacinth Alia confirmed the deaths, while residents described the violence as devastating, particularly as the region approaches the farming season. Ongoing insecurity has raised concerns about whether families will be able to safely return to their land.

Additional violence unfolded in Ariko village, where gunmen attacked an Easter service, killing five people and taking 31 civilians hostage. According to reports, Nigerian soldiers engaged the attackers in a firefight and ultimately forced them to retreat, leading to the rescue of those held captive.

Military sources said the attackers left behind the bodies of victims and showed signs of sustaining casualties while fleeing. However, some local reports indicated the gunmen were able to operate for an extended period before security forces intervened.

In a separate incident, an attack on a police headquarters in Borno State left four officers dead following a gun battle with fighters linked to the Islamic State. Officials confirmed the assault as part of the broader wave of violence during the holiday weekend.

The attacks come amid longstanding tensions in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where conflicts between largely Muslim Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farming communities frequently escalate into deadly clashes. While the exact identities of the attackers in some incidents remain unclear, officials and analysts often point to a mix of extremist activity and local disputes as contributing factors.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned violence against Christians in Nigeria, previously warning of potential U.S. action if the killings continue. His administration has also taken steps to address the issue diplomatically, including visa restrictions announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio targeting individuals involved in religious persecution.

Lawmakers in Washington have introduced new legislation aimed at increasing accountability. The proposed “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,” backed by Republican Reps. Riley Moore and Chris Smith would require the State Department to report on efforts to protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria and assess the country’s compliance with international religious freedom standards.

The Easter attacks have renewed scrutiny on both Nigeria’s internal security response and the international community’s role in addressing ongoing religious violence in the region.