By Ayomide Otitoju
Christians across Nigeria on Sunday joined millions of faithful worldwide to celebrate Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Despite reports of attacks in parts of Plateau and other northern states, worshippers turned out in large numbers for special Easter services. The celebrations, which followed weeks of Lenten observances, featured prayers, hymns, and sermons focused on sacrifice, hope, and renewal.
Easter, one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, symbolises hope and new beginnings. For many Nigerians, the occasion also provided an opportunity for reflection, acts of charity, and renewed commitment to faith and community values.
Clergy members, in their Easter messages, urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and compassion, while reflecting on the spiritual significance of the season. Several churches also held traditional sunrise services to commemorate the resurrection of Christ.
In its Easter message, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, called on the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to intensify efforts to address economic hardship and insecurity.
Delivering the message titled “Be Hopeful, Be Resilient, Be Compassionate,” Bishop Yohanna urged Christians to demonstrate love and support for vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans. He described Easter as the climax of the Lenten season, marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and noted that it represents hope, renewal, and God’s enduring love for humanity.
The cleric also called on authorities to take decisive action to tackle insecurity in the state.
“We urge the Federal and State Governments to take decisive steps to alleviate the sufferings of the people and bring an end to the insecurity that has ravaged our communities, claimed innocent lives, disrupted farming activities, and displaced many of our citizens,” he said.
He further appealed to residents to remain prayerful and united, while supporting the administration of Umaru Bago.
“Let us pray that God grants him the wisdom and strength to effectively pursue and actualise the ‘New Niger Agenda,’” he added.
Bishop Yohanna also encouraged active civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for inclusive governance, urging Christians to live out values of love, mercy, compassion, and selfless service.
Meanwhile, at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV marked Easter Sunday for the first time as pontiff, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East cast a shadow over celebrations.
The pope was scheduled to preside over Mass at St Peter’s Square before thousands of faithful, followed by the traditional Easter blessing. During an Easter Vigil, he called for “a new world of peace and unity,” condemning divisions caused by war and injustice.
The conflict has significantly affected celebrations across the region. In Jerusalem, services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—believed by Christians to be the site of Christ’s resurrection—were held under tight restrictions, with access limited due to security concerns.
Israeli authorities imposed measures restricting large gatherings amid ongoing hostilities, leaving parts of the Old City largely deserted. Religious leaders described the atmosphere as subdued, with the usual Easter celebrations disrupted by the realities of conflict.
In southern Lebanon, predominantly Christian communities also marked Easter under difficult conditions, as clashes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement continued.
Residents in affected areas expressed fear and uncertainty but maintained their faith, describing Easter as a source of hope amid ongoing violence.
