By Obinna Uballa
Gunmen suspected to be terrorists launched a deadly attack on two churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Easter celebrations on Sunday, killing at least seven people and abducting several others. The early morning assault, which targeted worshippers gathered for Easter services, threw the quiet community into panic as residents fled for safety. The councillor representing Awon Ward, under which Ariko District falls, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation on Sunday, saying the attackers struck two Christian worship centres – First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church. Bawa explained that he was on his way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties, noting that reports from the area were still conflicting. “I am currently heading to the community to verify the exact number of casualties. Some sources say seven persons were killed, while others say eight. I will provide an update once the details are confirmed,” he said. He added that poor telecommunications coverage in the area may have contributed to the attackers operating for a prolonged period without immediate response from security agencies. According to him, the gunmen arrived in large numbers, surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. “The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the community and opened fire on people in the churches. Several persons were killed and many others were taken away into the bush,” Bawa stated. Residents said the assailants operated for an extended period without resistance, raising fresh concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities in the state. The latest attack comes barely two months after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where scores of worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026. That incident sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence across communities in Southern Kaduna. When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said he would provide further details on the incident.
