Terror in Kaduna as Gunmen Storm Churches, Kill Seven Worshippers, Abduct Several

Fresh violence has struck Kaduna State after suspected terrorists attacked two churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, during Easter celebrations, killing at least seven worshippers and abducting several others.

Global Mirror News gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday April 5, throwing the largely rural community into panic as gunmen reportedly invaded the area in large numbers.

The affected worship centres were identified as the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located in Ariko community.

The Councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers surrounded the area before opening fire on worshippers.

According to him, the death toll remains uncertain, with some local sources putting the number of victims at seven while others said eight people may have been killed.

“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” Bawa said.

Bawa added that the poor telecommunications network in the area may have contributed to the delay in getting help, allowing the assailants to operate for a prolonged period without resistance.

“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 said.

Residents said the gunmen operated for several minutes without any intervention from security agencies, worsening fears over the vulnerability of rural communities in Southern Kaduna.

The latest incident comes barely two months after another deadly attack in Kurmin Wali community in Kaduna, where more than 170 worshippers were abducted during church services, sparking outrage and renewed calls for stronger security across the state.

When contacted, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the command was still gathering details and would issue an official statement later.

Observers say the repeated attacks on rural communities, especially during religious gatherings and festive periods, underline the worsening insecurity in Southern Kaduna and the urgent need for improved security presence.

More details are expected as authorities continue to assess the full scale of the attack.