Easter Attacks: Bandits Kill 16 In Benue, Katsina, Kaduna

Violence shattered Easter peace across northern Nigeria, claiming at least 16 lives and displacing dozens in Borno, Katsina, Benue and Kaduna states over the weekend.

Suspected armed herders hit Benue hardest. They stormed Mbalom, Mbatsada and Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area late Saturday, a busy market day in Mbalom. At least 10 people died and several others sustained injuries as residents fled to safer grounds. Gwer West LGA Chairman Timothy Adi told journalists that two bodies were recovered Saturday night, with seven more found Sunday, bringing the toll to nine in his initial confirmation. He described the assault as unprovoked and urged the Federal Government to step up action against armed herders. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings as “a barbaric act and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.”

In Kaduna State, terrorists targeted worshippers in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area, on Easter Sunday. Gunmen raided First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, killing five people and abducting 31 others. Panic spread as shots rang out during services. Councillor Mark Bawa, representing Awon Ward, confirmed the assault and said the attackers came in large numbers, shooting sporadically. Nigerian Army troops responded swiftly to a distress call. They pursued the fleeing terrorists, engaged them in a firefight and rescued all 31 hostages, including one injured victim now receiving treatment. The Army recovered the bodies of the five victims at the scene and reported that the attackers suffered significant casualties, with blood trails marking their escape route. Additional troops have since been deployed to secure the area and prevent further threats.

Katsina State also recorded fresh bloodshed. Bandits attacked Tangani and Sayaya communities in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas on Sunday, killing one policeman. The assailants ambushed a police station, hit a primary healthcare centre and looted shops. Governor Dikko Radda visited Sayaya to assess the damage and commiserate with residents. He directed more security operatives to the area and extended condolences to the family of the slain officer and the police command.

Borno State faced twin blows from suspected Boko Haram terrorists. Early Sunday, they struck Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area around 1:30 a.m., burning houses and shops while firing sporadically. Residents fled on motorcycles as the attackers operated for over an hour. Borno State Police Command spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso confirmed no lives were lost but properties were destroyed. The raid came less than 24 hours after another assault on an internally displaced persons camp in Damasak and the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters, where four police officers and a civilian hunter were killed.

Security forces say they are intensifying operations to restore calm and hunt down the perpetrators. Local leaders and residents have renewed calls for stronger protection, especially in vulnerable farming and Christian communities hit during major festivals. As investigations continue, many families in the affected areas remain in fear, with some still searching for missing loved ones.