Gunmen storm worship centres in Ariko community during Easter celebrations as poor telecom coverage hampers emergency response

Terrorists have attacked two Christian worship centres in the Ariko community of Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, during Easter celebrations, killing at least seven people and abducting several others.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, throwing the community into panic.

Mark Bawa, councillor representing Awon Ward, under which Ariko District falls, confirmed the incident. He identified the affected churches as the 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 say seven persons were killed, while others claim eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” Bawa said.

He also noted that poor telecommunications coverage in the area may have contributed to the attackers carrying out the assault without an immediate response from security agencies.

The latest attack comes barely two months after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali community, where worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said further details on the incident would be provided as investigations continue.