Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended Easter greetings to Christians in Nigeria and worldwide, pledging to safeguard their freedom of worship amid rising violence in parts of Nigeria.
In a Sunday post on X, Netanyahu said: “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 added that Israel remains “unwavering” in defending life and liberty, ensuring “every believer can pray in peace.”
Netanyahu singled out Nigeria, where recent attacks have targeted mainly Christian communities. On Saturday, gunmen killed at least 17 people in Mbalom village, Gwer East LGA, Benue State, as part of ongoing deadly violence.
Over the Easter weekend, separate attacks killed at least 26 people across northern and central Nigeria, including a church assault in Kaduna State and a gunfight in Borno State that claimed four police lives.
Earlier, a Palm Sunday shooting in Plateau State’s Jos area left around 30 dead, prompting curfews and heightened security.
Highlighting broader regional tensions, Netanyahu also mentioned missile attacks on Jerusalem, while reaffirming protection for Israel’s Christian communities, which he said continue to grow and prosper. Israel’s foreign minister echoed these Easter greetings globally, including for those observing Holy Week.
