Easter Bloodbath: Gunmen Storm Churches, Kill Worshippers, Abduct Many

At least seven worshippers have been killed and several others abducted after terrorists attacked two churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Easter celebrations.

The early Sunday morning assault, which targeted First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, sent shockwaves across the rural community as residents fled in panic.

Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, said he was on his way to the affected area to verify the number of casualties.

“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” he said.

Describing the scale of the attack, Bawa added that the assailants arrived in large numbers and operated for an extended period without resistance.

“The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” he stated.

He attributed the delayed response to poor telecommunications coverage in the area, which may have hindered efforts to quickly alert security agencies.

Residents corroborated his account, noting that the attackers moved freely during the operation, further exposing the vulnerability of rural communities in the region.

The incident comes barely two months after a similar attack in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where several worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026—an event that sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved security in Southern Kaduna.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mansir Hassan, said he would provide further details on the incident.

Security analysts say the latest assault underscores persistent threats facing rural communities in Southern Kaduna, particularly during religious gatherings and festive periods, raising fresh concerns over the safety of worshippers across the region.