Terrorists attacked Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Easter Sunday, hitting two Christian worship centres. At least seven people were shot dead and several others dragged into the bush.
The raid began at dawn and sent the community scrambling for safety.
Mark Bawa, councillor for Awon Ward that covers Ariko, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online by phone.
“They surrounded the area and opened fire on worshippers,” he said. “I’m on my way there now to get the exact casualty figure—some say seven, others eight. I’ll update you when I have the details.”
The targeted churches are First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both in Ariko.
Bawa blamed poor mobile coverage for the slow response. “The networks are awful here. The gunmen knew they had time.”
Residents told PUNCH the attackers stayed for more than an hour unchallenged, underscoring how exposed rural settlements in Southern Kaduna remain.
Sunday’s bloodshed comes barely two months after gunmen kidnapped scores of worshippers at Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, during a February church service. That incident triggered fresh outcry for better security across the axis.
Kaduna Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan said he would release an official statement shortly.
More details soon…
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