Several communities in Kaduna State are in mourning after terrorists invaded some churches in the state during Easter Sunday services.
Local sources and eyewitnesses report that at least seven worshippers were killed when the terrorists invaded Kaduna churches, turning a day of celebration into one of chaos and grief.
The attacks took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, targeting multiple worship centers in the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to survivors, the assailants arrived on motorcycles, wielding sophisticated weapons and firing sporadically into the congregations.
The primary targets included churches in the southern region of the state, where worshippers had gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Beyond the seven confirmed fatalities, dozens of other congregants—including women and children—were forcibly taken into the nearby forest.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, under which Ariko District falls, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack to the press on Sunday.
According to him, the affected churches are First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located in Ariko.
“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven people were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” Bawa said.
He added that poor telecommunications coverage in the area may have allowed the attackers to assault without immediate response.
“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,” he stated.
Residents said the assailants operated for a prolonged period without resistance, raising further concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities in the state.
The latest attack comes barely two months after a similar incident in the Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where scores of worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
That incident sparked outrage and renewed calls for an improved security presence in Southern Kaduna.
When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said he would provide further details regarding the tragic incident.
Observers noted that the recurring attacks highlight the persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Southern Kaduna, particularly during religious gatherings and festive periods.
This attack comes days after Jos North area of Plateau State was invaded on Palm Sunday, with reports indicating that about 28 persons died during the attack.
The attack also comes as the Nigerian government under the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working with the U.S under the administration of President Donald Trump to curb religious persecution in Nigeria.
The two countries have been collaborating after Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
This collaboration has led to the 2025 Christmas Day bombing of an ISIS enclave in Sokoto State.
