Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – For security reasons, the Easter Vigil Mass in many Catholic Dioceses across Nigeria will not take place in the night as before but will be held earlier in the evening. This is the case, for example, of the Diocese of Ondo, which, in a statement published on March 30, announced the decision of Bishop Jude Ayodeji Arogundade to move the Easter Vigil to 5 p.m. on Holy Saturday. “The realities of our time particularly the prevailing insecurity in our country and our State and in response to pastoral prudence and sensitivity, the bishop, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, has directed that the Easter Vigil in all parishes and communities of the diocese this year shall commence at 5:00 p.m. prompt,” reads the message signed by the diocesan chancellor, Fr. Michael O. Eniayeju.
The message invites the clergy, religious, and the faithful “to remain steadfast in the Christian faith in the resurrection of our Lord, which the Easter Vigil solemnly celebrates,” and to be vigilant because “security is everybody’s concern.” “All parishes and communities are enjoined to beef up their security strategies and let us continually pray for peace and protection in our land,” the message concludes.
As the Easter celebrations approach, concerns are growing about possible jihadist attacks against Christian communities.
On Palm Sunday, at least 27 people were killed in an attack on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North district, Plateau State, (central Nigeria). The assailants, reportedly wearing camouflage military uniforms and traveling on motorcycles, stormed the community around 7:30 p.m. while residents were still going about their daily activities. They began firing indiscriminately, sowing panic among the inhabitants. The attack has been unanimously condemned by leaders of all religious denominations. The Plateau State Chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) called it a barbaric and senseless act, urging the government and relevant authorities to investigate those responsible. JNI is the umbrella organization for various Muslim groups in Nigeria. JNI, in a statement signed by its secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, said: “JNI strongly condemned the attack. It is barbaric, senseless and a grave threat to peace and coexistence in Plateau State.” “We are deeply pained by the magnitude of this tragedy. The sanctity of human life must never be violated under any circumstances. This act of violence is unacceptable and must be condemned by all,” the statement concluded.
Daniel Okoh, president of CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria, which unites the various Nigerian Christian denominations), declared: “We mourn. We grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here? How is it that people can no longer feel safe in their own homes? How is it that, even on a sacred day, communities are left exposed to such terror?” The President of CAN further emphasized that “the use of fake or imitation military uniforms by these attackers is particularly alarming. It strikes at the very heart of public trust and must be thoroughly investigated. Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/3/2026)
