Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches on Easter, Kill Seven, Abduct Worshippers

Suspected terrorists have launched a deadly assault on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, targeting Christian worshippers during Easter celebrations and leaving at least seven people dead, with several others abducted.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, disrupted religious activities in the rural settlement, as gunmen stormed two churches. First was ECWA Church, the second was St. Augustine Catholic Church, opening fire on congregants and whisking others into nearby forests.

Confirming the incident, Awon Ward councillor, Mark Bawa, said the casualty figures were still being verified as local authorities worked to assess the scale of the attack. He attributed the delayed response to poor telecommunications infrastructure in the area, which he said may have emboldened the assailants.

Residents reported that the attackers operated for an extended period without resistance, heightening concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities in Southern Kaduna, where security presence is often limited.

The latest incident adds to a growing pattern of violence in the region, particularly during religious gatherings. In February 2026, suspected gunmen abducted scores of worshippers in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, sparking outrage and calls for urgent security intervention.

Southern Kaduna has, for years, experienced recurring attacks linked to banditry, communal tensions, and insurgent activities. These incidents have frequently targeted farming communities and places of worship, deepening fears among residents and contributing to displacement and economic disruption.

Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command for an official update were ongoing at the time of filing this report, though authorities are expected to deploy additional security personnel to the affected area.

Security analysts say the timing of the attack—during Easter—underscores a troubling trend of targeting symbolic periods to maximise fear and disruption.

Stakeholders have repeatedly urged both federal and state governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rural security coverage, and address underlying causes of violence to prevent further attacks.

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