No fewer than seven people have been killed and several others kidnapped after suspected terrorists attacked churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Easter celebrations.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, disrupted church services as gunmen opened fire on worshippers, sending residents fleeing for safety.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident and said he was on his way to the community to ascertain the exact casualty figures.
“I am heading there to verify the situation. Some reports say seven people were killed, while others claim eight. I will provide accurate details shortly,” he said.
According to him, the attackers arrived in large numbers, surrounded the community, and began shooting indiscriminately before abducting several residents.
“The gunmen stormed the area, encircled it, and started firing at worshippers. Many were killed, and others were taken into the bush,” he added.
Residents said the assailants operated for an extended period without resistance, raising fresh concerns about insecurity in rural areas.
Bawa blamed the delayed response on poor telecommunications in the area, noting that it may have prevented residents from quickly alerting security agencies.
The latest attack comes just weeks after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where several worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026, sparking outrage and renewed calls for improved security in Southern Kaduna.
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