The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has raised fresh concerns over escalating violence in Kebbi State, revealing that no fewer than 24 people were killed in an Easter Sunday attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on April 5, marks the latest in a series of violent attacks affecting border communities between Kebbi and neighbouring Niger State.
According to the Diocese, armed assailants stormed the community in the early evening, unleashing hours of violence that left homes, shops, and places of worship destroyed. Among the buildings razed were a Catholic church and a mosque, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.
Church authorities noted that the victims cut across religious lines, including Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers, describing the killings as a “tragedy against humanity” rather than a targeted religious assault.
Security sources said the attackers are believed to have emerged from the Wawa Forest in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, a known hideout for armed groups.
Days before the Debe incident, suspected bandits reportedly carried out coordinated night raids on nearby communities such as Gebe, Kawara, and Kalkami, burning houses and forcing residents to flee.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that security operatives, including military personnel, marine police, and local vigilantes, have been deployed to restore calm in the affected areas.
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In the aftermath of the violence, displacement has increased, with the Diocese disclosing that at least 491 residents are currently taking refuge at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri.
The Church warned that the growing number of displaced persons is stretching available resources and called for urgent assistance.
It also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Idris to take decisive steps to restore security and enable affected communities to return home safely.
The Diocese further urged humanitarian organisations and the international community to provide immediate support, noting that victims are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care, and shelter.
It warned that fear has gripped many communities across the state, leaving residents unable to bury their dead or rebuild their lives amid ongoing insecurity.