Three attacks in northern Nigeria over the Easter weekend left at least 26 people dead, according to the Nigerian military and local officials.According to the Associated Press, the most serious attack occurred on Saturday in Mbalom community in the Gwer West area of Benue State, killing at least 17 people. Governor Hyssings Alia confirmed the attack on Sunday but gave no casualty figures.In another attack early Saturday morning, gunmen stormed the police headquarters in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Borno, killing four police officers. Police spokesman Kenneth Dassault said the attacker belonged to an Islamic State-affiliated group and that the attack ended after a lengthy exchange of fire.A third attack took place on Sunday in the village of Aliko in Kaduna state, when gunmen opened fire during an Easter ceremony, killing five people, according to the military. The attacker has not yet been identified. The military said soldiers intervened immediately after receiving a distress call and prevented 31 people from being kidnapped.The Associated Press quoted the military as saying: “Regrettably, the remains of five victims who had been killed by terrorists were also found at the scene.” “It is believed that the fleeing terrorists caused heavy casualties, as evidenced by the blood stains on the escape route.”Kaduna continues to witness church attacks and multiple kidnappings. In January, more than 150 devotees were abducted from Kurmin Wali, a village in Kajuru district, about 60 kilometers from where Sunday’s attack took place.The violence in Benue reflects wider insecurity in north-central Nigeria, where conflicts over land and grazing often turn deadly. These conflicts often involve mostly Muslim Fulani herders and mainly Christian farming communities. Criminal gangs also operate in the area.US President Donald Trump and some US lawmakers have accused Christians of being persecuted in Nigeria, a charge the Nigerian government denies. It also dismissed claims that described worsening insecurity in the country as “Christian genocide”.On December 25, the United States launched a military strike in Sokoto, reportedly targeting the Islamic State group operating in the area.
