Christians across Nigeria on Sunday joined millions of faithful around the world to celebrate Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Despite this year’s celebration being slightly marred by attacks in Plateau and other northern states, worshippers gathered for special Easter services.

The celebrations, which followed weeks of Lenten observances, featured prayers, hymns and sermons centred on themes of sacrifice, hope and renewal.

Easter remains one of the most significant religious events for Christians worldwide, symbolising hope and new beginnings.

For many Nigerians, the celebration also serves as a moment for reflection, charity and renewed commitment to faith and community values.

Clergy members, in their messages, urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and compassion, while reflecting on the significance of the season.

Many churches also held sunrise services, a tradition observed in several parts of the world to commemorate the resurrection of Christ.

End Insecurity

In its Easter message, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, called on both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to urgently step up efforts to ease the hardship faced by citizens and tackle the lingering insecurity in the state.

The appeal was presented by the State Chairman, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.

In the message titled “Be Hopeful, Be Resilient, Be Compassionate,” Bishop Yohanna urged Christians to embody the spirit of Easter by showing love and support to vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans.

He described Easter as the joyful climax of the Lenten season, marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and noted that it symbolises hope, renewal and God’s enduring love for humanity.

Addressing the challenges facing the state, he called on authorities to take urgent and decisive action.

“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.

The cleric also appealed to residents to remain prayerful and united, while offering support for 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.’ It is our hope that all ongoing projects will be completed for the benefit of the people,” he added.

Bishop Yohanna further encouraged active civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for inclusive governance. Emphasising the values of the season, he said,

“Let us be living examples through lives of love, mercy, compassion, and selfless service, demonstrating that the Risen Christ lives in our hearts.” (Channels TV)