At least seven people have been killed and several others abducted following a coordinated attack by suspected terrorists on worshippers in Kaduna State during Easter celebrations.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Ariko community, located within Kachia Local Government Area. According to local sources, the attackers specifically targeted two churches—First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church—where congregants had gathered for worship.
Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden and intense assault, as heavily armed gunmen reportedly stormed the area in large numbers, firing indiscriminately. The attack threw the community into chaos, with residents fleeing for safety while others were caught in the violence. Several worshippers were killed on the spot, while an unspecified number of individuals were forcibly taken away into nearby bushland.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident and said he was on his way to the affected community to verify the exact number of casualties. He noted that while some reports placed the death toll at seven, others suggested it could be higher. He assured that a clearer picture would emerge after a full assessment.
Bawa also highlighted the role of poor telecommunications infrastructure in worsening the situation. According to him, limited network coverage in the area may have delayed distress calls and hindered any timely security response. He further explained that the attackers operated for a considerable period without interruption, underscoring the vulnerability of rural settlements.
Residents expressed deep concern over the lack of immediate intervention, stating that the prolonged nature of the assault exposed serious security gaps. The incident has reignited fears about the safety of remote communities, especially during significant religious gatherings.
As of the time this report was compiled, the state police command had not released an official statement regarding the attack.
