Christians in Nigeria celebrated Easter on Sunday, joining millions worldwide in commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Services were held across the country, featuring prayers, hymns and sermons focused on hope, renewal and sacrifice. Despite attacks in Plateau and parts of northern Nigeria, worshippers attended sunrise services and special church programmes. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, issued an Easter message urging both federal and state governments to address insecurity and economic hardship. Its State Chairman, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, called for urgent action to end violence that has disrupted farming, displaced communities and claimed lives. He urged citizens to support the administration of Umaru Bago and pray for the success of the 'New Niger Agenda'. Bishop Yohanna also encouraged civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections and promoted compassion, especially toward widows and orphans. In his message titled "Be Hopeful, Be Resilient, Be Compassionate," he described Easter as the joyful climax of Lent. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV marked his first Easter as pontiff, with the Middle East conflict overshadowing global celebrations. He led Easter Vigil prayers calling for peace and unity, and urged US President Donald Trump to help find an "off-ramp" to the war.
Bulus Dauwa Yohanna's appeal for action on insecurity is not new, but it underscores how deeply fear has settled into daily life in Niger State. When a church leader must double as a crisis lobbyist, it suggests governance is running on goodwill, not strategy. The call to support Bago's administration while begging it to act reveals a quiet desperation among citizens who've stopped expecting results. Faith may bring hope, but it doesn't replace functioning security or policy.
