Terror struck the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Sunday, as suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on two churches during Easter celebrations, leaving at least seven people dead and several others abducted.
The assault, which targeted worshippers gathered for the holy occasion, sent shockwaves through the rural community, forcing residents to flee for safety amid sporadic gunfire.
Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, said the attackers struck both the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ariko.
“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,” Bawa said.
He explained that the attackers, who reportedly arrived in large numbers, surrounded the area before opening fire on unsuspecting worshippers.
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“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.
Bawa also pointed to the poor telecommunications network in the area as a major factor that may have delayed any form of emergency response.
Residents recounted that the assailants operated for an extended period without resistance, deepening fears over the safety of vulnerable rural communities, especially during religious gatherings.
The latest attack comes barely two months after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, where several worshippers were abducted during a church service in February 2026—an event that had already sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence in Southern Kaduna.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Mansir Hassan, said he would provide further details on the incident.
Security analysts say the recurring nature of such attacks underscores the persistent challenges confronting communities in Southern Kaduna, particularly during festive periods when large gatherings often become easy targets.