Suspected terrorists attacked two churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, killing at least seven worshippers and abducting several others.
Councillor Mark Bawa of Awon Ward, which covers Ariko District, confirmed the assault on First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church. “Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” Bawa told Punch, en route to the scene.
He attributed the success of the large-scale attack to poor telecommunications coverage, which delayed response. “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,” Bawa added.
The incident mirrors a Palm Sunday attack a week earlier in Jos community, where over 20 persons were killed.
