JUST IN: GUNMEN ATTACKS KADUNA CHURCHES

Gunmen suspected to be terrorists launched a deadly assault on the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State during Easter celebrations, attacking two Christian worship centres and killing at least seven people, while abducting several others.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, caused widespread panic among residents. Mark Bawa, the councillor representing Awon Ward, where Ariko District is located, confirmed the incident in a phone conversation.

He identified the affected churches as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both situated within the Ariko community.

Bawa noted that he was en route to the area to verify the exact number of casualties, as initial reports varied between seven and eight deaths, promising to provide updates once confirmed.

He also suggested that limited telecommunications coverage in the area may have contributed to the delayed response, allowing the attackers to operate with little interference.

According to him, the assailants arrived in large numbers, encircled the area, and opened fire indiscriminately on worshippers. Several lives were lost, and many others were forcibly taken into nearby bushland.

Residents reported that the attackers operated for an extended period without resistance, further highlighting the vulnerability of rural communities in the region.

This incident follows a similar attack about two months earlier in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, where numerous worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026—an event that triggered public outrage and renewed demands for stronger security presence in Southern Kaduna.

When reached for comment, Kaduna State Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said more details would be provided regarding the incident.

Observers have pointed out that the repeated attacks underscore ongoing security challenges in Southern Kaduna, particularly during religious events and festive periods.