While Easter activities were underway in Nigeria, certain parts of the country experienced tragic incidents, including accidents and acts of violence resulting in loss of life. The federal government had on March 27, declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.
Within Nigeria gathered that at least six youths were allegedly killed in Awka, the capital of Anambra State on Easter Sunday, during a clash by rival cults. Sources revealed that some of the fatalities occurred in the Okpuno area, some others were killed around Dike Street, near Eke Awka market, while another happened in the Obinagu area.
It was gathered that one of the persons hit by a bullet was a staff of the Anambra State Judiciary, simply identified as Mr. Nwofor, who was said to be innocently going about his normal business before the cultists struck.
Also in Ogun state, four persons died, while 40 others were injured in 11 road crashes during the Easter celebration in the state, according to the Ogun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Also in the state, Some armed men, on Saturday, 30th March, attacked and looted a luxury bus at Oke Ado Junction, Ijebu-mushin, along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway.. The passengers were said to be on their way to the southeast for Easter celebrations when the incident happened. The hoodlums, after successfully robbing the passengers, decided to set the bus ablaze.
Four were also killed in Kaduna on Easter Monday, according to International Christian Concern.
Violence This year, and Every other Year
Throughout the years, incidents of violence during the Easter period have sadly become a recurring incident in Nigeria. In the week of Easter in 2023, Fulani herdsmen carried out a devastating attack on Mgban in Benue State, located in North Central Nigeria, resulting in the tragic loss of 35 lives on April 9th. This occurrence is similar to violent events of previous years.
In 2022, the day was stained with bloodshed in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, as unknown gunmen went on a rampage in various locations, resulting in the loss of one life and leaving several others injured.
Tragically, the pattern of violence during Easter stretches back even further. In 2012, a deadly bomb blast ripped through Kaduna, a city situated approximately 230 kilometers (140 miles) southwest of Kano, on Easter Sunday. The explosion, occurring around 8:40 a.m., claimed the lives of 25 individuals and left numerous others injured.