Gunmen strike Kaduna churches during Easter, kill seven, kidnap others

Panic gripped Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday after suspected terrorists attacked two churches during Easter celebrations, killing at least seven worshippers and abducting several others.

The early-morning assault targeted the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located in Ariko district, disrupting religious activities and sending residents fleeing for safety.

The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack, saying he was heading to the community to verify the exact number of casualties.

According to him, preliminary reports indicated that between seven and eight people may have been killed, though the figures were yet to be fully confirmed.

“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,” Bawa said.

He added that poor telecommunications coverage in the rural community may have contributed to the delay in raising alarm and mobilising security response.

Residents said the gunmen operated for a prolonged period without resistance, heightening fears about the vulnerability of remote settlements in the southern part of the state.

The latest incident comes barely two months after another attack in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where several worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.

Efforts to get official confirmation from the police were ongoing as of press time. The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force in the state, Mansir Hassan, said further details on the incident would be provided after a preliminary assessment.

Observers say the recurring attacks underscore the persistent security challenges confronting rural communities in Southern Kaduna, particularly during religious gatherings and festive periods.