Juliet Ezeh
Fresh fears have gripped communities in Southern Kaduna following a deadly Easter Sunday attack on worshippers in Ariko, a community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where at least seven people were killed and several others abducted.
The coordinated assault, which targeted two Christian worship centres—First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church—occurred in the early hours of Sunday as residents gathered for Easter celebrations.
Local authorities say the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, surrounding the area before opening fire indiscriminately on worshippers, creating panic and chaos. The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, who confirmed the incident, said casualty figures remain unclear due to communication challenges in the area.
“I am on my way to the community to verify the exact number of casualties. Reports indicate seven to eight persons have been killed, but we will confirm shortly,” he stated.
Residents revealed that the attackers operated for an extended period without resistance, raising serious concerns over delayed security response and the vulnerability of rural settlements during major religious gatherings.
Bawa attributed part of the security lapse to poor telecommunications coverage, which may have hindered distress calls and delayed intervention by security agencies.
The latest violence comes barely two months after a similar attack in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, where worshippers were abducted during a church service in February 2026—an incident that sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence across Southern Kaduna.
Security analysts warn that repeated attacks on churches during festive periods point to a troubling pattern, with rural communities increasingly exposed to coordinated assaults.
When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Command said it is gathering details on the incident and promised to provide updates as investigations progress.
The recurring attacks have once again intensified calls for improved rural security infrastructure, rapid response systems, and enhanced surveillance, especially in vulnerable areas prone to targeted violence during religious events.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.