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Gunmen
Six worshippers have been reported killed by bandits while several were abducted during an attack on the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State during a Sunday Easter church service.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, targeted two churches—First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, plunging the community into panic.
Residents reported that the attackers arrived in large numbers, surrounded the area, and opened fire on people gathered for worship.
Locals said the bandits surrounded the churches, shot some worshippers, abducted many others, and stole offerings realised from the day’s service.
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Those killed were identified as Aminu Soba, Waziri Agunu, Tankoa Haruna, Adamu Jatau, Joseph Gungume, and Rabo Atete.
The attack comes just weeks after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali, also within Kachia LGA, where worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
Following a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army said they arrived at the community and successfully thwarted further attacks, rescuing 31 abducted villagers.
According to a statement by the Army, “Troops acted on a distress call reporting that armed attackers had invaded a church and taken worshippers hostage.
“Soldiers were immediately mobilised to the area and, with support from local residents, tracked the assailants as they attempted to flee”, the statement read in part.
The troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle and overpowered them with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the 31 hostages. One of the rescued victims, who sustained injuries during the attack, is currently receiving medical attention, according to the statement.
The military added that operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and rescue any remaining captives, while additional personnel have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further attacks.
Source: Channels TV | Read the Full Story…
