Suspected gunmen on Sunday attacked worshippers in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing at least seven people and abducting several others during Easter celebrations.
ENigeria Newsaper can report that the early morning assault, which targeted two churches — First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church — left residents in panic, as gunmen reportedly invaded the area in large numbers and opened fire on congregants.
Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, told journalists that the details were still being verified.
“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” he said.
Bawa further disclosed that the attackers appeared to have exploited communication challenges in the area.
“The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” he stated.
Residents said the assailants operated for an extended period without resistance, raising fresh concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities, especially during religious gatherings.
The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents in Southern Kaduna. In February 2026, gunmen abducted several worshippers during a church gathering in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, triggering outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence in the region.
When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, promised to offer more information on the incident, but efforts to obtain an official police response were still in progress.
Just one week prior to this Kaduna attack, the devastating Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Plateau State, where gunmen invaded communities in Angwan Rukuba, killing over 20 people and injured dozens more, occurred.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who called the tragedy “tragic and senseless”, confirmed that 28 persons were killed in the attack at the Angwan Rukuba hamlet in Jos North Local Government Area.
The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had earlier visited victims and families affected by the deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba community, assuring residents that his administration is determined to end the cycle of violence in the state.
