Kaduna, Nigeria: Armed individuals suspected to be terrorists have attacked the Ariko community located in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State in northwestern Nigeria. The assault targeted two Christian worship centres, the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Saint Augustine Catholic Church, during Easter Sunday celebrations. The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 5, 2026, operating on West Africa Time (WAT).
Okay News reports that at least seven people died during the violent intrusion, and an unconfirmed number of worshippers were taken away into the surrounding forest. The attackers reportedly exploited the poor telecommunications network in the rural district, which prevented residents from alerting security forces in time.
Mark Bawa, the local government councillor representing Awon Ward, which oversees the Ariko District, confirmed the attack. “I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” Bawa stated.
Describing the severity of the incident, Bawa added, “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.”
This tragic event highlights a severe, ongoing security crisis affecting rural communities in the northern region of the country. It follows closely behind a similar attack that occurred in February 2026 in the Kurmin Wali community, which is also located within the Kachia Local Government Area. During that incident, dozens of citizens were kidnapped during a church service.
Mansir Hassan, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Public Relations Officer for the Kaduna State Police Command, acknowledged the situation and indicated that law enforcement is working to gather more details. The recurring violence continues to prompt intense demands from the public for improved security measures across vulnerable settlements in Nigeria.
