Six worshippers have been confirmed dead following an attack by suspected bandits on the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State during a Sunday Easter service.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the day, targeted two churches, First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, throwing the community into panic.
Residents said the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, surrounded the churches, and opened fire on worshippers gathered for the service. Several persons were reportedly abducted, while offerings realised during the service were also carted away.
The victims have been identified as Aminu Soba, Waziri Agunu, Tankoa Haruna, Adamu Jatau, Joseph Gungume, and Rabo Atete.
The incident comes just weeks after a similar attack in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, where worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
Following a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army were mobilised to the area and successfully prevented further casualties, rescuing 31 abducted villagers.
According to a statement by the Army, troops responded swiftly to reports that armed assailants had invaded a church and taken worshippers hostage.
“Soldiers were immediately deployed to the area and, with support from local residents, tracked the attackers as they attempted to flee,” the statement said.
The troops reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, overpowering them with superior firepower and forcing them to abandon the hostages.
One of the rescued victims, who sustained injuries during the incident, is currently receiving medical attention.
The military added that operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and rescue any remaining captives. Additional personnel have also been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
