Christians across Nigeria joined millions of faithful worldwide on Sunday to celebrate Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Despite the solemnity of the season being overshadowed in some areas by recent attacks in parts of northern Nigeria, worshippers turned out in large numbers for special church services.
The celebrations followed weeks of Lenten observances, with sermons, hymns and prayers focused on sacrifice, hope and spiritual renewal.
Easter remains one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, symbolising new beginnings and the triumph of life over death.
For many Nigerians, the occasion also provides an opportunity for reflection, acts of charity and renewed commitment to faith and community.
Clergy across denominations used the occasion to call for peace, unity and compassion, urging citizens to reflect deeply on the lessons of the season.
In many churches, sunrise services were held, continuing a long-standing global tradition commemorating the resurrection.
In its Easter message, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, urged both federal and state governments to urgently address economic hardship and insecurity affecting residents.
The appeal was delivered by the state chairman, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, in a message titled “Be Hopeful, Be Resilient, Be Compassionate.”
He encouraged Christians to demonstrate love and care for vulnerable members of society, including widows and orphans, describing Easter as the joyful culmination of a period marked by fasting, prayer and almsgiving.
“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 also called for prayers in support of the administration of Umaru Bago, expressing hope for the successful implementation of development initiatives in the state.
Bishop Yohanna further encouraged citizens to participate actively in civic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, while advocating inclusive governance.
“Let us be living examples through lives of love, mercy, compassion, and selfless service, demonstrating that the Risen Christ lives in our hearts,” he added.
Globally, Easter celebrations were observed under a cloud of ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East.
At the Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV presided over Easter Mass for the first time as pontiff at St Peter’s Square, addressing thousands of faithful.
During an Easter Vigil, the Pope called for “a new world of peace and unity,” criticising divisions caused by war, injustice and isolation among nations.
He also renewed appeals for peace in the Middle East, including calls directed at global leaders such as Donald Trump to help find a resolution.
In Jerusalem, celebrations were significantly restricted, with services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre believed by Christians to be the site of Christ’s resurrection held behind closed doors due to security concerns.
Authorities imposed limits on large gatherings amid fears of further escalation following ongoing hostilities in the region.
Residents described an unusually quiet and somber atmosphere around one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
“The silence is almost absolute, broken perhaps by the distant sound of what war continues to sow in this holy and torn land,” said Pierbattista Pizzaballa during his Easter Vigil homily.
In parts of Lebanon near the Israeli border, communities celebrated Easter under the sound of ongoing bombardment.
Residents in affected areas described a tense situation, with many relying on humanitarian aid.
“The situation is tragic,” a local resident said, expressing fear and uncertainty amid continued shelling. “People are terrified. We are putting our trust in God, as this is the only glimmer of hope we will not give up on.”
Despite these challenges, Christians around the world marked the occasion with messages of hope, resilience and faith, reflecting the enduring significance of Easter even in difficult times.
