Seven Dead in Easter Day Attacks on Two Kaduna Churches

At least seven individuals have lost their lives following coordinated assaults by suspected terrorists on two churches in the Ariko community of Kaduna State's Kachia Local Government Area. The incidents took place on Sunday, April 5, coinciding with the Easter celebrations observed by the Christian community.

Mark Bawa, the councillor representing Awon Ward, which includes Ariko District, confirmed the attacks. He identified the targeted places of worship as the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both situated in Ariko.

Bawa stated, "I am currently heading to the community to verify the precise number of fatalities. Some reports indicate seven deaths, while others suggest eight. I will provide an update once the details are confirmed."

He further noted that communication challenges in the area, specifically poor telecommunications coverage, may have facilitated the attackers' operation by delaying an immediate response.

"The assailants arrived in significant numbers. They surrounded the locality and commenced firing indiscriminately at the worshippers. Numerous individuals were k!lled, and many others were abducted and taken into the forest," he reported.

This tragic event follows a similar incident one week prior, where suspected terrorists attacked a community in Jos during Palm Sunday, resulting in over twenty fatalities.