Christian Persecution News Roundup: March 25–April 1, 2026

Christian persecution made headlines this Holy Week, with violent attacks in Nigeria dominating coverage alongside targeted incidents in South Asia and restrictions in the Holy Land. Advocacy groups like International Christian Concern (ICC), Open Doors, and Aid to the Church in Need highlighted ongoing patterns of violence, mob attacks, and surveillance. Here are the key verified developments from the past seven days:

Nigeria: Palm Sunday Massacre in Jos

• Gunmen attacked the predominantly Christian community of Angwan Rukuba (Ungwan Rukuba) in Jos North, Plateau State, on Palm Sunday (March 29–30). Reports confirm at least 30–53 Christians killed in the assault, which targeted villagers near a market/church area; some accounts mention machetes and gunfire. This fits a pattern of repeated attacks on Christian farming communities. ^{persecution.org +1}
• The incident is part of escalating violence in the region, with ICC and Open Doors noting it as one of the deadliest Holy Week events. A U.S. senator (Ted Cruz) publicly warned that Nigerian officials are enabling such persecution through inaction and Sharia policies, stating Washington has identified enablers and has sanction tools ready. ^punchng.com
• Local bishops described Holy Week as “not history, it is reality” for Nigerian Christians amid ongoing killings, church attacks, and displacement. ^{churchinneed.org}

Nepal: Hindu Mob Attacks Christians

• On March 23 (reported March 31), a Hindu mob in Rautahat district confronted three Christians sharing the gospel, dragged them to a police station, and accused them of proselytizing. The incident underscores rising hostility toward religious minorities in Nepal. ^{persecution.org}

Pakistan: Christian Man Dies After Alleged Torture

• A 22-year-old Christian man was found dead at a farmhouse in Punjab on or around March 27. Reports allege torture; the case has fueled concerns over systemic mistreatment of Christians in the country. ^{persecution.org}

Jerusalem (Holy Land): Restrictions on Palm Sunday Worship

• On March 30 (Palm Sunday), Israeli forces denied Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, preventing him from celebrating Mass. The International Christian Justice and Peace (ICJP) condemned it as religious persecution and an affront to freedom at one of Christianity’s holiest sites. Similar tensions were noted in Gaza and Syria. ^{icjpalestine.com}

Iran: Ongoing Pressure on Converts

• Open Doors reported continued arrests, surveillance, and “propaganda against national security” charges against Christian converts. At least 48 believers remain imprisoned, with digital monitoring intensifying amid regional conflicts. ^{opendoorsus.org}

Other Regional Notes

• DRC (Ituri Province): Recent attacks by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed around 50 people and displaced over 31,600 in mid-March; news broke widely this week with calls for prayer. ^{opendoorsuk.org}
• Broader context from Open Doors and ICC: Over 388 million Christians face high persecution globally (1 in 7), with sub-Saharan Africa seeing extreme violence. No new full World Watch List update this week, but Holy Week reports emphasized prayer for the persecuted church. ^{thecommonsense.co.za}

These stories reflect persistent patterns of violence (especially in Africa), mob intimidation (South Asia), and official restrictions. Advocacy organizations continue to call for international attention and support. For full details, refer to the primary reports from ICC, Open Doors, and local outlets. Developments can evolve quickly, particularly in Nigeria.

Source: Grok on X

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15