Palm Sunday Attacks in Plateau State Kill 30 Christians

On March 29, 2026, gunmen attacked a Christian community in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, killing between 20 and 30 people during a Palm Sunday gathering. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence against Christians in Nigeria's Middle Belt, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

Former Nigerian Bar Association President Olisa Agbakoba SAN highlighted the increasing frequency of such attacks, which often coincide with religious holidays, making communities particularly vulnerable. The violence is attributed to various factors, including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and ethnic tensions.

Despite arguments against the characterization of these attacks as genocide, there is a clear pattern of targeted violence against Christian communities. The Nigerian security architecture has been criticized for its failures, including delayed responses to attacks and poor coordination among security agencies.

The situation underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address the ongoing crisis.