At least seven people have been confirmed dead after suspected terrorists attacked Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State during Easter celebrations.
The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 5, targeted two Christian worship centres, throwing residents into panic and confusion.
The affected churches were identified as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located within the Ariko community.
While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, local sources said the death toll could be between seven and eight persons, with several others reportedly abducted during the attack.
Findings indicate that poor telecommunications coverage in the area may have delayed emergency response, allowing the attackers to operate without immediate interference.
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Witnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, surrounded the community, and opened fire indiscriminately on worshippers.
Several people were killed in the process, while others were forcefully taken away into the surrounding bush.
Residents also said the attackers operated for an extended period without resistance, raising fresh concerns about the exposure of rural communities to repeated attacks.
The incident comes less than two months after a similar assault in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where many worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
That earlier attack had triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence across Southern Kaduna.