The horrifying wave of massacres that struck Nigeria during Easter has exposed a grim truth: Africa’s most populous nation remains trapped in a cycle of unchecked violence, claiming thousands of lives and displacing tens of thousands more. Since April 4, the country has witnessed yet another wave of brutal attacks, culminating in tragic losses and widespread devastation.

Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who oversees the Kontagora Diocese—spanning parts of Niger and Kebbi States—has borne witness to the horrors unfolding in his region. His account paints a stark picture of lawlessness and impunity. On Easter Saturday, armed bandits embarked on a deadly rampage, traveling over 100 kilometers on more than 50 motorcycles. They moved freely through the Borgu Game Reserve in Niger State, stopping to rest and eat without interference from Nigerian security forces.

Their targets included the village of Debe and surrounding urban areas such as Kelkemi, Binua, and Kaura in Shanga Local Government Area, all within the Kontagora Diocese. Bishop Yohanna recounts the devastation: “The Catholic church and the catechist’s home in Debe were completely destroyed. The catechist, his wife, and family narrowly escaped with their lives, while the Pentecostal pastor of the Redeemer’s Church in Debe was brutally murdered.” A mosque was also demolished during the attack.

Who is behind the violence?

Determining the exact death toll remains challenging, as the bandits occupied Debe for two days, preventing the recovery of bodies. However, based on missing persons reports, at least 24 fatalities are confirmed. Over 500 people are currently hiding in Yauri Parish on the opposite bank of the Niger River and elsewhere in the diocese. The attacks have spared no community—Christians, Muslims, and followers of traditional religions have all been targeted.

Bishop Yohanna points to Fulani herders as the likely perpetrators, driven by a desire to seize land through violent means. “Since July 2025, the situation in the Kontagora Diocese has deteriorated sharply,” he explains. “Across the region, particularly in the Borgu deanery west of the Niger River and near the Benin border, bandits now control over 10,000 square kilometers. While security forces are present in Babana, Papiri, and Agwara, the rest of the area lies under their control—not under the authority of the Nigerian government.”

a population living in fear

The terror gripping the region has forced many to abandon their faith practices. Church attendance has plummeted, with worshippers fearing targeted killings during services. Easter celebrations were significantly scaled back, and numerous faithful were unable to attend mass. In four parishes within the diocese, priests have fled due to threats of violence or abductions. The Nigeria Catholic Bishops’ Conference has consistently condemned all forms of violence and urged the government to restore public order. Yet, as Bishop Yohanna admits, the Church’s ability to intervene is limited: “We are powerless to bring peace when the chaos is orchestrated by faceless bandits with unknown allegiances. There is no one to negotiate with. The people are at the mercy of merciless criminals, while authorities react only after tragedies occur, rather than taking proactive steps.”

a nation at the brink

Calling for urgent international intervention, Bishop Yohanna urges foreign diplomats to visit the affected areas to witness the crisis firsthand. “The global media plays a critical role in exposing the atrocities unfolding hour by hour. Nigeria risks becoming a failed state, and those who can are fleeing.” His plea underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis before it spirals further out of control.