A series of violent attacks disrupted Easter celebrations across northern Nigeria, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens displaced in Benue, Kaduna, Katsina and Borno states.
The incidents, carried out by suspected armed herders, terrorists and bandits, occurred in separate communities between Saturday and Sunday, prompting renewed concerns over security in the region.
In Benue State, suspected armed herders reportedly invaded Mbalom, Mbatsada and Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area, killing at least 10 residents and injuring several others.
The attackers were said to have stormed the communities on Saturday evening, which coincided with a market day in Mbalom, causing residents to flee for safety.
The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Timothy Adi, confirmed the attack.
“The invasion and attacks happened yesterday (Saturday) between 5pm and 6pm. Nine corpses have so far been recovered, two yesterday (Saturday) and seven today (Sunday),” he said.
Adi lamented that the attack was unprovoked and appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to curb the activities of armed herders in the state.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary Kula Tersoo, condemned the killings, describing them as “a barbaric act and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.”
Five Killed As Terrorists Attack Kaduna Churches
In Kaduna State, suspected terrorists attacked Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area, targeting two Christian worship centres during Easter celebrations.
The attackers reportedly killed five worshippers and abducted 31 others during the assault.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident to Punch and identified the affected churches as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church.
“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven people were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” Bawa said.
He added that the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire on worshippers.
“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,” he said.
Army Rescues Abducted Worshippers
Troops of the Nigerian Army later rescued the 31 abducted civilians after responding to a distress call.
According to the Army, troops pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army, through a swift response, have successfully foiled a terrorist attack, leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village,” the Army said in a statement.
The military added that the pressure from advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon the captives.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention,” the statement added.
However, the remains of five victims already killed were recovered at the scene.
Policeman Killed In Katsina Bandit Attack
In Katsina State, renewed banditry attacks in Tangani and Sayaya communities of Musawa and Matazu LGAs reportedly claimed the life of a police officer.
Governor Dikko Radda visited the affected community on Sunday to assess the damage.
The attackers were said to have ambushed the local police station, looted several shops and vandalised a primary healthcare centre.
The governor commiserated with residents and the police command, while also directing the deployment of additional security personnel to the area.
Boko Haram Attack Displaces Residents In Borno
Meanwhile, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State early Sunday morning.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 1:30 a.m., firing sporadically and burning houses and shops, forcing residents to flee.
The spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack but said no casualties were recorded.
He said, “There was an attack this morning around 1:30 a.m. in Chibok Local Government, in a village called Awapul. The attack was carried out by unknown men suspected to be Boko Haram.
“No casualties. It was a destruction of properties.”
Residents said the attackers operated on motorcycles and remained in the area for over an hour before leaving.
“They burned down houses and small shops. Some owners have gone to Chibok main town to take refuge,” a resident said.
The latest incidents occurred less than 24 hours after separate attacks on an internally displaced persons camp in Damasak and the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters in Borno, where four police officers and a hunter were killed.
Security forces said the attackers used Rocket-Propelled Grenades and other sophisticated weapons in an attempt to overrun the town but were repelled by security agents.
Authorities have since intensified operations in the affected areas as residents continue to call for a stronger security presence across vulnerable communities.
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