Six worshippers have reportedly lost their lives, while several others were abducted after bandits attacked the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State during a Sunday Easter church service.
The assault occurred in the early hours of the day and targeted two churches — First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church — throwing the community into panic.
Residents said the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, surrounded the churches, and opened fire on worshippers gathered for the service.
According to locals, the assailants shot some of the worshippers, abducted many others, and carted away offerings collected during the service.
The victims were identified as Aminu Soba, Waziri Agunu, Tankoa Haruna, Adamu Jatau, Joseph Gungume, and Rabo Atete.
The incident follows a similar attack in Kurmin Wali, also in Kachia LGA, where worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
Following a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army said they responded swiftly, foiling further attacks and 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 gun battle and overpowered them, forcing the assailants to abandon the 31 hostages. One of the rescued victims, who sustained injuries during the incident, is currently receiving medical treatment, the Army added.
The military further disclosed 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.