Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent Easter messages to Christians in Nigeria and across the globe, pledging to defend religious freedom at a time when faith-based communities in several Nigerian regions are facing increased violence.
In a post on X this Sunday, Netanyahu stated: “To our Christian friends in Israel, the United States and around the world, we wish you a blessed and joyful Easter. Christians are persecuted across the Middle East, in Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, Turkey and beyond.”
He further emphasized that Israel is “unwavering” in its commitment to protecting life and liberty, aiming to ensure that “every believer can pray in peace.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks specifically highlighted the situation in Nigeria, where recent weeks and the Easter holiday itself have been marred by attacks.
This includes a tragic assault on Saturday in Mbalom village, Benue State, which claimed at least 17 lives.
These fatalities are part of a broader wave of violence across northern and central Nigeria during the Easter period.
Reports from the Nigerian military indicate at least 26 deaths over the weekend, including the Benue massacre, a clash in Borno State that killed four police officers, and a church attack in Kaduna State resulting in five deaths.
Additionally, a Palm Sunday shooting in Jos, Plateau State, left approximately 30 people dead, leading to strict curfews and increased military presence to protect worshippers during Holy Week.
Netanyahu’s message also touched on Israel’s own security concerns, noting that “missiles are fired at our capital, the holy city of Jerusalem,” while reiterating that Christian communities within Israel continue to grow and thrive under government protection.
Similar sentiments were shared by Israel’s Foreign Minister, who offered Easter greetings to Christians worldwide as they observe the holy season.
