BY Ngbede Silas
At least seven people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack on two churches in Kaduna State during Easter celebrations.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Ariko community, located in Kachia Local Government Area, where armed attackers stormed worship centres and opened fire on congregants.
The affected churches include the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both situated within the community.
A local councillor, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack, stating that several worshippers were killed while others were taken away by the assailants.
He explained that the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated for an extended period, firing indiscriminately before abducting victims into nearby bush areas.
According to him, communication challenges in the area may have delayed emergency response, allowing the attackers to carry out the operation without immediate resistance.
Residents described the incident as terrifying, noting that the community was thrown into panic as the gunmen moved freely during the assault.
The attack comes weeks after a similar incident in another part of Kachia, where worshippers were abducted during a church gathering, further raising concerns about the security situation in the region.
Authorities have yet to release a full official statement, but police sources indicated that investigations are underway and efforts have begun to track down those responsible.
The latest violence has once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities, especially during religious gatherings and festive periods.
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