Tragedy struck in Kaduna State on Easter Sunday as
suspected terrorists launched a deadly attack on two churches in Ariko
community, Kachia Local Government Area, leaving several worshippers dead and
others abducted.
The assault, which occurred on April 5 during Easter
celebrations, reportedly claimed the lives of at least seven people, although
the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed.
According to Mark Bawa, the councillor representing
Awon Ward where the community is located, the attackers targeted two places of
worship—First ECWA Church Ariko and St. Augustine Catholic Church Ariko.
Bawa, who spoke shortly after the incident, noted that
he was heading to the area to verify the situation firsthand. He explained that
reports on casualties were still conflicting, with some sources indicating
seven deaths while others suggested the number could be higher.
He further revealed that the attackers stormed the
community in large numbers, surrounding the area before opening fire
indiscriminately on worshippers gathered for the Easter service. In addition to
the fatalities, several individuals were reportedly taken away into the
surrounding bush by the assailants.
The councillor also pointed out that poor
telecommunications network in the area may have contributed to the delayed
response, allowing the attackers to carry out the operation without immediate
intervention from security forces.
This latest attack comes just days after another
violent incident in a community in Jos, where more than twenty people were
killed during Palm Sunday celebrations, raising fresh concerns over the safety
of worshippers in parts of the country.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement
as residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of the attack.
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