Terrorists Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill Seven, Abduct Worshippers

Gunmen storm two churches in Kachia LGA, raising fresh concerns over rural security.

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By Yahaya Jinjiri | Kaduna, Nigeria

At least seven people have been killed and several others abducted following a terrorist attack on two churches in Kaduna State during Easter celebrations. The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, targeted worshippers in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area.

The attack was carried out by heavily armed assailants who stormed the community and opened fire on congregants at two Christian worship centres.

The affected churches have been identified as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located in Ariko District under Awon Ward.

The councillor representing the area, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident, noting that casualty figures remain uncertain, with initial reports indicating at least seven fatalities.

According to him, the attackers arrived in large numbers, surrounded the area, and began shooting indiscriminately at worshippers before abducting several victims into nearby bush paths.

Residents reported that the attackers operated for an extended period without resistance, attributing the delayed response to poor telecommunications coverage in the area.

The incident triggered panic across the community, with locals fleeing for safety as the violence unfolded.

The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to release an official statement, although the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said details would be provided subsequently.

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The latest attack comes less than two months after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, where multiple worshippers were abducted during a church gathering.

Recurring Attacks in Southern Kaduna
The Kachia axis has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, particularly targeting religious gatherings and rural communities.

Security experts have warned that such areas remain highly vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain.

Security Gaps Exposed Again
The prolonged nature of the attack has raised fresh concerns about response times and intelligence gathering in rural parts of Kaduna State.

Local leaders have continued to call for improved security deployment and communication infrastructure to prevent further incidents.

The attack underscores persistent insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria, especially during religious events. It highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in rural communities and raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.