KADUNA: Suspected terrorists launched a deadly assault on a rural community in southern Kaduna State in the early hours of Sunday, killing at least seven worshippers and abducting several others during Easter celebrations.
The attack occurred in Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area, where gunmen targeted two Christian worship centres during church services, triggering panic and grief among residents.
The affected churches were identified as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located in the Ariko district.
Local authorities confirmed that the attackers stormed the community in large numbers and opened fire on worshippers who had gathered for Easter services.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Sunday. According to him, the exact casualty figure was still being verified as local leaders rushed to assess the situation.
I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties,” Bawa said.
Some reports indicate that seven persons were killed while others claim eight. We are still trying to confirm the exact figure. I will provide more accurate information once we arrive at the scene.
Bawa explained that the attackers surrounded the area before launching the assault, firing sporadically at worshippers and residents.
“The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting at people who had gathered for worship. Several people were killed and others were taken away into the bush,” he said.
Residents said the gunmen operated for an extended period without resistance, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in rural communities across southern Kaduna.
Some community members blamed poor telecommunications coverage for the slow response to the attack, saying residents could not quickly alert security agencies during the assault.
According to Bawa, the lack of reliable mobile network services in the community may have allowed the attackers to carry out the operation without immediate intervention.
“The poor telecommunications network in the area made it difficult for residents to reach security operatives on time, he said.
Eyewitnesses also reported that the gunmen moved from one worship centre to another during the attack, forcing some worshippers to flee into nearby bushes while others were unable to escape the gunfire.
The latest assault has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing communities in southern Kaduna, particularly during religious gatherings and festive periods.
The region has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years, resulting in deaths, kidnappings, and displacement of residents.
Sunday’s attack comes barely two months after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where several worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
That earlier incident triggered outrage among residents and civil society groups who demanded stronger security presence in vulnerable rural communities across the state.
Community leaders have repeatedly called on the government to establish additional security outposts and improve surveillance in areas frequently targeted by armed groups.
Security analysts say rural communities remain particularly vulnerable because they often lack rapid security response and adequate communication infrastructure.
When contacted for an official response, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said authorities were gathering information about the incident and would provide further updates.
“We are still receiving reports from the area. Further details will be communicated once they are confirmed, he said.
Meanwhile, residents have expressed fear that such attacks could continue unless stronger security measures are implemented.
Observers say the repeated targeting of churches and religious gatherings underscores the urgent need for improved intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms to protect communities, especially during major religious celebrations such as Easter.
Security agencies have yet to confirm the exact number of abducted persons as search and rescue efforts were reportedly ongoing at the time of filing this report.
More details are expected to emerge as authorities continue investigations into the deadly attack.
