Bandits Attack Churches in Kaduna, Kill Worshippers During Easter Service

Bandits have launched a deadly हमला on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing several worshippers during Easter service and abducting others.

The нападение occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when armed assailants reportedly stormed two churches—First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church—targeting congregants gathered for Easter celebrations.

 

Ejes Gist News reports that at least seven people were confirmed dead, although casualty figures remained unclear at the time of filing this report.

Eyewitness Accounts and Official Confirmation

Mark Bawa, the councillor representing Awon Ward, where the Ariko district is located, confirmed the incident during a telephone interview. He said he was en route to the affected community to verify the extent of casualties and damage.

 

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“I am currently heading to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources reported seven deaths, while others mentioned eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” Bawa stated.

He disclosed that the attackers arrived in large numbers, surrounding the area before opening fire indiscriminately on worshippers.

“They came in large numbers and began shooting sporadically at people during the service. Several were killed, and many others were abducted into the bush,” he added.

Delayed Security Response Raises Concerns

Local sources attributed the delayed response from security agencies to poor telecommunications coverage in the area, which reportedly hindered timely distress calls.

Residents said the attackers operated for an extended period without resistance, further highlighting the vulnerability of rural communities in southern Kaduna to recurrent armed ആക്രമണങ്ങൾ.

Pattern of Attacks in Kachia LGA

The latest incident follows a similar attack in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February.

That incident prompted renewed calls from community leaders and civil society organisations for increased security deployment and proactive intelligence operations across volatile المناطق in southern Kaduna.

Renewed Security Concerns in Southern Kaduna

Security analysts have repeatedly warned of escalating banditry and targeted attacks on soft civilian targets, including places of worship and rural settlements, in Kaduna State.

The recurring nature of such incidents has intensified demands for coordinated federal and state-level interventions to address insecurity in the region, particularly during major religious observances when large gatherings are common.