Easter Tragedy: Terrorists Storm Kaduna Churches, Kill 7,Abduct Worshippers

​KADUNA — What was meant to be a morning of celebration and reflection turned into a scene of carnage on Sunday, as terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the Ariko community in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. At least seven people have been confirmed dead, with an unconfirmed number of worshippers whisked away into the forest.

​The attack specifically targeted two prominent places of worship—First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church—as congregants gathered for Easter Sunday services.

​According to local sources and official confirmations from the area, the assailants arrived in large numbers, surrounding the worship centers before opening fire sporadically. The suddenness of the attack left the community in disarray, with many fleeing into nearby bushes to escape the hail of bullets.

​Mark Bawa, the councillor representing Awon Ward, confirmed the grim details to reporters today.

​”The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” Bawa stated.

​While initial reports indicate seven fatalities, some community members fear the death toll could rise as more people are accounted for.

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​Communication Blackout

​A significant factor in the duration of the attack was the poor telecommunications infrastructure in the Ariko District. Residents noted that the assailants operated for a prolonged period without resistance because the community was unable to reach security agencies for immediate intervention.

​This lack of “early warning” capability has long been a point of contention for rural communities in Southern Kaduna, which remain vulnerable to the hit-and-run tactics of armed groups.

​Today’s tragedy follows a disturbing trend of attacks on religious gatherings in the region. Only two months ago, a similar mass abduction occurred in the Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where scores of worshippers were taken during a church service.

​The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, has acknowledged the incident and stated that the command is currently gathering more details. Security forces are reportedly being mobilized to the area to track the kidnappers and rescue those in captivity.

​As of Sunday afternoon, the Ariko community remains under a cloud of grief, with families waiting for news of their missing loved ones while preparing to bury those lost on a day that was supposed to symbolize hope and renewal.