By Our Correspondent
National News – Suspected terrorists attacked two Christian churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Easter celebrations early Sunday, killing at least seven worshippers and abducting several others.
The attack, which happened in the early hours of April 5, 2026, targeted First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church while congregants gathered for Easter services.
Residents said the assailants arrived in large numbers, surrounded the community and opened fire on worshippers, causing panic and forcing many residents to flee for safety.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident during a telephone interview, explaining that the exact number of casualties was still being verified.
According to him, initial reports indicated that seven people had been killed, though some accounts suggested the death toll might rise.
Bawa said he was heading to the community to assess the situation and obtain accurate details about the victims and those abducted.
He explained that the attackers operated for a prolonged period without immediate intervention, which residents attributed to poor telecommunications coverage and limited security presence in the rural area.
The gunmen reportedly shot sporadically at worshippers before abducting several individuals and escaping into nearby forests.
Community members expressed fear and frustration over the continued attacks on villages in Southern Kaduna, especially during religious gatherings.
According to residents, the lack of rapid security response has made rural communities vulnerable to such violent incidents.
The latest assault comes barely two months after another attack in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where several worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
That incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect communities in the region.
When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said authorities were gathering information about the attack and would provide official updates soon.
Security analysts say the recurring attacks highlight ongoing security challenges in parts of Southern Kaduna and underscore the need for improved intelligence gathering, stronger security deployment, and better communication infrastructure in rural communities.
