KACHIA, NIGERIA- MAY 18, 2014: A Nigerian police officer watches over the charred Nasara Baptist Church in Kachia, destroyed by a fire during three days of religious clashes between Muslims and Christians that killed as many as 40 people. Photo by Jesse McLean/Toronto Star /Toronto Star (Jesse McLean/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Gunmen on Sunday attacked two churches in Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing at least seven persons and abducting several others.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, during Easter celebrations, threw the community into panic.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, under which Ariko District falls, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack.
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 persons were killed, while others claimed eight.
“I will provide an update once details are confirmed.
“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.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said he would provide further details regarding the tragic incident.
Details later…
