Tragedy struck in Ariko community, Kachia LGA of Kaduna State, as armed attackers invaded two churches during Easter celebrations, leaving multiple people dead and several others missing.
The assault, which happened in the early hours of Sunday, caused widespread panic among residents as the attackers stormed the area.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident, identifying the affected worship centres as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ariko.
Bawa said casualty figures remain unclear, with initial reports indicating that at least seven people were killed, though the number could be higher.
“I am on my way to the community to verify the situation. Reports vary between seven and eight deaths, and I will provide accurate details once confirmed”, he said.
He noted that poor telecommunications in the area may have delayed emergency response, allowing the attackers to operate unchecked.
According to him, the gunmen arrived in large numbers, surrounded the community, and opened fire on worshippers before taking several victims into the surrounding bush.
Residents reported that the attackers remained in the area for an extended period without any resistance, highlighting ongoing security concerns in rural parts of the state.
The incident comes less than two months after a similar attack in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, where worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026, an incident that triggered outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence in Southern Kaduna.
When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said more information would be provided as investigations continue.
