Terrorists Attack Kaduna Churches, Kill Seven During Easter Celebrations

At least seven people were killed and several others abducted after armed attackers struck two Christian worship centres in the Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Easter celebrations on Sunday.

The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack, identifying the affected churches as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church. He stated that the attackers came in large numbers, surrounded the area, and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush.

Bawa also pointed to the poor telecommunications coverage in the area as a potential factor that may have allowed the attackers to operate without immediate response. Residents reported that the assailants operated for a prolonged period without resistance, raising serious concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities in the state.

The attack comes barely two months after a similar incident in the Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where scores of worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026. Security observers noted that the recurring attacks highlight persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Southern Kaduna, particularly during religious gatherings and festive periods.

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said he would provide further details regarding the tragic incident. The Nigerian Army later confirmed that troops, acting on a distress call, rescued 31 of the abducted worshippers after engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight.

The army also reported that the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were recovered at the scene. Additional troops have been deployed to the area to reinforce ongoing operations and prevent further threats to lives and property.

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