At least seven people have been killed and several others abducted after suspected bandits attacked churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Easter celebrations.
The attack, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, has once again raised serious concerns about the security situation in parts of Kaduna State, especially rural communities that have faced repeated assaults in recent years.
Residents said the gunmen stormed the area in large numbers while worshippers were gathered for Easter activities. The attackers reportedly targeted two churches in the community — First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church — opening fire on worshippers and creating widespread panic.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident and said he was on his way to the community to verify the number of casualties.
“I am currently heading there to get accurate information,” he said. “Some reports say seven people were killed, while others claim eight. I will provide updates once I confirm the details.”
According to Bawa, the attackers surrounded the community and began shooting indiscriminately. Many worshippers were caught off guard, as the attack happened during a time when people had gathered peacefully for Easter celebrations.
“The attackers came in large numbers. They encircled the area and started shooting sporadically,” he explained. “Several people were killed on the spot, and many others were taken away into the bush.”
Local residents described the incident as terrifying, noting that the gunmen operated for a long period without any resistance or intervention from security forces. Some said the lack of immediate response may be linked to poor telecommunications coverage in the area, which made it difficult to alert authorities quickly.
“The network here is very poor,” one resident said. “It is hard to make calls in emergencies. By the time help could be reached, the attackers had already carried out their operation and left.”
The attack has left families in mourning and many others in distress, as relatives search for loved ones who were abducted during the raid. Community members are calling on the government and security agencies to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of violent attacks in Kachia Local Government Area and other parts of southern Kaduna. Over the years, the region has witnessed repeated cases of killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property, often carried out by armed groups commonly referred to as bandits.
Banditry has become a major security challenge in northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger. These armed groups often attack villages, abduct residents for ransom, and target vulnerable communities, including farmers and worshippers.
In February 2026, a similar attack occurred in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area. During that incident, several worshippers were abducted while attending a church gathering. The attack sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures in the area.
Community leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly urged both the state and federal governments to improve security in rural areas. They have also called for better intelligence gathering, increased deployment of security personnel, and improved communication systems to help communities report threats quickly.
Religious leaders have also condemned the targeting of worship centres, describing such attacks as deeply troubling. They stress that places of worship should remain safe spaces for people to gather in peace.
Meanwhile, residents of Ariko community are struggling to come to terms with the latest tragedy. Many families have been displaced, while others are grieving the loss of loved ones.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the attack or efforts to rescue those abducted. However, residents say they hope authorities will act swiftly to prevent further violence and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures across Kaduna State and other affected regions, as communities continue to live under the threat of attacks.