April 06, (THEWILL) — The worsening insecurity in the country assumed a more brutal dimension as some communities in Benue, Kaduna and Katsina states came under gruesome attacks by terrorists, including suspected herdsmen, on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
The attack in Kaduna State happened on Sunday in Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area, where two churches, First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, were targeted by the terrorists. Seven persons died in the attack while several others were abducted.
In Katsina, terrorists invaded communities in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas on Sunday, killing three policemen, civilians and abducting others yet to be identified.
In Benue where suspected herdsmen reportedly carried out a fresh attack on Agena community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area, LGA, nine persons lost their lives while several houses, including the community market and food barns were razed. In Katsina State, the State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Lawal Tukur-Batagarawa, disclosed that there was an attack, while briefing journalists in Katsina, the state capital, on Sunday.
Tukur-Batagarawa who attributed insecurity in the state to bad leadership and condoled with families and communities affected by the recent attacks, explained that there were other villages where several residents were reportedly killed and property destroyed by the terrorists.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the attacks to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and promised to provide more details later.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Kaduna, Mark Bawa told journalists that, “sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed.”
He said the attackers came in large numbers, surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Leading to the death of many persons, while many others were taken into the bush.
The is coming after a previous attack took place in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where many worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026, the citizens. This time around, the communities got a response from the Nigerian Army after a successful distress call went through.
Disclosing this information on Sunday on its official X platform handle, the Army said, “Upon receiving the information, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and, with the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, advanced in pursuit of the fleeing attackers.”
The Army said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, overpowering them with superior firepower.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army, through a swift response, successfully foiled a terrorist attack, leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the post read, adding: “The swift response followed a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village. The troops, on receipt of the information, promptly mobilised to the scene. With the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, they advanced in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower.
In the end, the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention. Bodies of dead victims were also recovered by the troops.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene. The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, as collective vigilance remains vital to achieving enduring peace and stability,” the statement further said.
Responding to the attack in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia on Sunday vowed that justice would be served following a deadly attack by gunmen on the Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area, which left nine persons dead, as security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula said his boss condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He said the incident represents a direct affront to the collective peace and security of Benue State, assuring residents that decisive steps are being taken to prevent further occurrences.
He said, “Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemns the heinous attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen on the peace-loving people of Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area.
“The Governor describes the barbaric act as unacceptable and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state. He expresses deep sympathy to families affected and assures them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.”
Governor Alia noted with concern what appears to be a pattern of calculated and selective attacks across parts of the state, stressing that although the threats are increasingly complex, his administration remains resolute in confronting and subduing all forms of criminality.
Reaffirming his commitment to the protection of lives and property, the governor declared that his administration would not relent or leave anything to chance in discharging its responsibility to the people. He emphasised that those behind the attack would be tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In a positive response to the incident, the governor commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift intervention and ongoing operations. He disclosed that security operatives have assured the government that they are already on the trail of the attackers and are working to ensure their arrest.
He further urged the agencies to intensify their operations to forestall further attacks and bring lasting relief to affected communities, noting that enhanced security presence remains critical at this time.
Providing additional details, the Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Timothy Adi, confirmed that the attackers stormed the Mbalom-Mbatsada-Agana community between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Holy Saturday, carrying out the deadly assault despite prior security alerts indicating a possible attack.
Adi disclosed that one person sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. He added that he promptly notified the state Commissioner of Police, who visited the affected community to assess the level of destruction and immediately deployed additional personnel to restore calm.
According to the council chairman, the situation in the area has since been brought under control, with security operatives maintaining a strong presence to ensure peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
While the incident has left the community in mourning, the swift response by security agencies and the firm assurances from the state government have reinforced confidence among residents that concrete steps are being taken to secure lives, bring perpetrators to justice, and prevent a recurrence across Benue State.
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