Seven dead and several abducted as terrorists target churches in Kaduna.

 

On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at least seven to eight worshippers lost their lives when heavily armed terrorists launched an attack on two churches located in the Ariko community, within the Kachia Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The assault primarily targeted the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church during the early morning Easter services. Initial reports from local sources, including the Vanguard and Leadership News, indicated that the fatalities ranged from seven to eight.

Numerous worshippers were kidnapped and taken into the nearby forest.

The attackers reportedly arrived in significant numbers, encircled the area, and opened fire indiscriminately.

Mark Bawa, the councillor for Awon Ward, remarked that the inadequate telecommunications coverage in the rural area hindered the timely alert and subsequent security response.

Security Response

In response to a distress call, troops from the Nigerian Army reportedly thwarted the ongoing attack by engaging the terrorists in a gun battle. This prompt intervention resulted in the rescue of 31 hostages, although five victims were discovered deceased at the scene.

As of April 5, 2026, the Kaduna State Police Command has not yet released a comprehensive official statement, although preliminary evaluations are currently underway. 

This incident reflects a recurring trend of targeting religious gatherings in Southern Kaduna, which includes a significant abduction that occurred in the nearby Kurmin Wali community in February 2026.

Gunmen attacked communities in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria, on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), resulting in multiple deaths, with estimates ranging from at least 30 to over 50 fatalities.

Not all the victims were Christians, but the attack targeted Christian-majority areas, with reports of militants on motorcycles firing sporadically and attacking residents, leading to a 48-hour curfew.