A wave of coordinated and deadly attacks shattered Easter celebrations across northern Nigeria, leaving at least 16 people dead, dozens abducted or displaced, and entire communities thrown into panic across Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Borno states in what has renewed fears over worsening insecurity in the region.
In Benue State, suspected armed herders launched a brutal assault on Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others in an attack that coincided with a busy market day. Residents, caught off guard, fled en masse as the attackers stormed both the marketplace and surrounding communities between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday.
Chairman of the local government, Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident, stating that bodies were recovered in phases as the scale of the tragedy became clearer. “The invasion and attacks happened yesterday between 5pm and 6pm. Nine corpses have so far been recovered, two yesterday and seven today,” he said, lamenting what he described as an unprovoked assault and calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in curbing the activities of armed herders in the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the killings, describing them as “a barbaric act and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state,” as pressure mounts on authorities to respond decisively.
In neighbouring Kaduna State, terrorists targeted Christian worshippers during Easter services in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area, attacking two churches First ECWA Church and St Augustine Catholic Church in a coordinated raid that left at least five people dead and dozens abducted.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack, describing scenes of chaos as gunmen surrounded the area and opened fire indiscriminately. “The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” he said, noting that casualty figures were initially unclear as conflicting reports emerged.
The Nigerian Army later confirmed that 31 abducted worshippers were successfully rescued following a swift military response triggered by a distress call. According to a statement, troops mobilised immediately, pursued the attackers with support from local residents, and engaged them in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon the captives.
“Troops have successfully foiled a terrorist attack, leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service,” the Army stated, adding that the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the encounter, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.
Despite the successful rescue, the Army confirmed that five victims had already been killed before troops arrived, underscoring the deadly impact of the raid. Additional troops have since been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks and sustain ongoing pursuit operations.
In Katsina State, renewed bandit attacks in Tangani and Sayaya communities of Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas resulted in the death of a police officer after gunmen ambushed a police station, looted shops, and attacked a primary healthcare centre.
Governor Dikko Radda visited the affected community, inspecting damaged facilities and commiserating with residents and security personnel. He extended condolences to the family of the slain officer and directed the immediate deployment of additional security operatives to reinforce safety in the area.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched an overnight attack on Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area, arriving on motorcycles and operating for over an hour as they set homes and shops ablaze, forcing residents to flee.
Police spokesperson Nahum Daso confirmed the attack, stating that while no lives were lost, significant property damage was recorded. “There was an attack this morning around 1:30 a.m. in Chibok Local Government. No casualties. It was a destruction of properties,” he said.
Residents, however, described a night of terror, with many abandoning their homes and seeking refuge in safer areas. “They burned down houses and small shops. Some owners have gone to Chibok main town to take refuge,” one resident said, appealing for urgent government intervention to secure the community.
The latest assault in Borno came less than 24 hours after a separate attack on an internally displaced persons camp in Damasak and the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters, where insurgents deployed rocket propelled grenades and other heavy weapons, killing four police officers and a civilian hunter while damaging critical infrastructure.
Security forces reportedly repelled the attackers, but the scale and frequency of the assaults have heightened concerns over the resilience and evolving tactics of armed groups operating in the region.
As security agencies intensify operations to contain the violence, political and community leaders have continued to condemn the persistent killings. A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former Minister of State for Education, Lawal Batagarawa, described the continued loss of lives, particularly in northern Nigeria, as unacceptable and called for urgent, coordinated action.
With communities mourning their dead, families displaced, and fear gripping affected areas during what should have been a period of celebration, the latest attacks have once again exposed the fragile security landscape in northern Nigeria and the urgent need for sustained and effective intervention.
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