A quiet Easter celebration turned tragic in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after gunmen suspected to be terrorists attacked two churches on Sunday, killing at least seven people and abducting several worshippers.
The attackers reportedly struck in the early hours of the day while residents had gathered for Easter services, unleashing gunfire and sending panic across the rural community.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, which covers Ariko District, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, saying the gunmen targeted First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church.
Bawa said he was heading to the community to obtain accurate details on the number of casualties, explaining that information from the area remained unclear.
“I am on my way to the community to confirm the exact number of casualties. Some reports say seven persons were killed while others say eight. I will provide an update once the situation becomes clearer,” he said.
According to him, communication challenges in the area may have slowed down the flow of information and delayed emergency response.
He said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, surrounded the area and began firing at worshippers before abducting several residents.
“The gunmen came in large numbers, surrounded the community and opened fire on people in the churches. Several persons were killed and many others were taken into the bush,” Bawa added.
Residents said the attackers operated for some time without resistance, heightening fears over the security situation in remote communities across the state.
The attack comes barely two months after gunmen abducted several worshippers during a church gathering in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, in February 2026.
The earlier incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed demands for stronger security deployment in Southern Kaduna.
Reacting to the latest attack, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the command would provide further information as investigations continue.
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