Tragedy struck the Ariko community in Kaduna State’s Kachia Local Government Area on Easter Sunday when bandits launched a deadly assault on the First ECWA and St. Augustine Catholic churches during their morning services.
The attackers, who arrived in large numbers and surrounded the area, killed six worshippers and kidnapped several others before looting the day’s church offerings.
The deceased have been identified as Aminu Soba, Waziri Agunu, Tankoa Haruna, Adamu Jatau, Joseph Gungume, and Rabo Atete.
This latest violence follows a similar pattern of insecurity in the region, coming just weeks after a mass abduction in nearby Kurmin Wali in February 2026.
In response to a distress call, Nigerian Army troops mobilized to the area and tracked the assailants as they attempted to flee with their captives.
Following a intense gun battle, the soldiers overpowered the bandits, successfully rescuing 31 villagers who had been taken hostage.
While one injured victim is currently receiving medical attention, the military has deployed additional personnel to secure the community and is continuing operations to apprehend the suspects and recover any remaining captives.
See video below:
