(RNS) — ‘It is unfortunate that attacks like these are eroding the freedom of worship for Christians,’ said Pastor Moses Mashat of the evangelical Christian church in central Nigeria.

RNS) — As Christians across the globe prepare to celebrate Easter, many in Nigeria fear they may be unable to observe the sacred day due to escalating attacks from Islamic militants.

“We could not celebrate Palm Sunday due to the security situation in our area,” Mary Yakubu, a resident of Nigeria’s central Plateau state, where nearly 200 Christians were killed on Christmas Eve in 2023, told RNS by phone. “Once again, we will be unable to prepare and celebrate Easter, as most churches here are closed and people fear gathering due to the ongoing attacks on churches and worshippers.”