Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is calling on the Nigerian government to immediately strengthen protections for Christian communities during Holy Week and ahead of Easter Sunday after a Palm Sunday massacre in Plateau State killed dozens of people.
Smith, a Catholic and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, said in an April 1 statement that he and his wife were “absolutely horrified by the brutal massacres,” which he said targeted Christians gathered during one of the faith’s most sacred times. He added that the “savage killings” are “incredibly heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable.”
As Zeale News previously reported, armed men — whom some witnesses described as members of Boko Haram and others alleged were armed Fulani militia — opened fire March 29 on Ungwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Reports varied on the death toll, with some estimates placing it between 11 and 12, and others reporting more than 30 killed.
In response to growing security concerns amid the violence, multiple Catholic dioceses across Nigeria announced they will celebrate the Easter Vigil this Holy Saturday during daylight hours instead of at night.
The attack reflects a pattern of repeated violence against Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Smith noted that on Palm Sunday in 2025, at least 54 Christians were killed in similar attacks in Plateau State.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility — and constitutional duty — to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith,” Smith said. “The continued failure to prevent and intercept these targeted attacks not only deepens human suffering, but also threatens the fabric of religious coexistence in the region. The need for the government to step up and protect the lives and religious liberty of Nigerians cannot be overstated.”
He urged Nigerian authorities to “take concrete steps” to ensure Christian communities in the region remain safe this Easter, specifically instructing them to deploy any necessary security forces and hold perpetrators accountable.
“I call on Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that this Holy Week is not marred by more tragedy,” Smith added.
He also said the U.S. must continue to stand with persecuted Christians and other victims of religious violence.