At least 27 people were killed on Easter Sunday in coordinated attacks by gunmen and suspected bandits on churches and communities in Kaduna, Benue, and Katsina states, marking one of the deadliest festive period assaults in recent years.
In Benue State, no fewer than 17 persons were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen in the Mbalom community of Gwer East Local Government Area. The attackers invaded the community between late Saturday night and Sunday morning, shooting residents and setting several houses on fire.
This is not the first time Mbalom has suffered such a bloody attack. In April 2018, two Catholic priests and 17 worshippers were killed by suspected armed herdsmen at St. Ignatius Parish in Ukpor Mbalom.
One resident of the area, Terseer Akaaver, told the Guardian, “I spoke with one of the survivors in the bush, and he told me many people were killed and that some brave youths are moving and recovering corpses. Many residents are missing as people were running in different directions.”
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a direct affront to the state’s collective peace and security. His chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, said in a statement that the governor noted with grave concern the pattern of calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state.
In Kaduna State, terrorists attacked two churches in the Ariko community near Kateri town in Kachia Local Government Area, killing at least eight worshippers and abducting several others. The affected worship centres were the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, said, “The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Initially, the villagers told me seven were killed, but now it is eight people who were killed, and many others were taken away.”
The Nigerian Army later announced that troops had foiled the attack and rescued 31 hostages. “The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention,” the army said in a statement. The remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered.
In Katsina State, suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on communities in Matazu Local Government Area, leaving two people dead. A police officer identified as Suleiman and a civilian were killed when attackers stormed parts of Matazu town. The assailants also set the community hospital ablaze in Sayaya town and looted several shops before setting them on fire.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. The police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, said no lives were lost but properties were destroyed. “It was a destruction of properties,” he said.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, warned in his Easter message that Nigeria is drifting dangerously amid what he described as “endless turbulence.” He said, “Turbulence is Nigeria’s surname,” adding that the worsening security situation had spiralled into a humanitarian crisis with thousands killed and millions displaced.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians that the country’s lingering insecurity will soon give way to peace, saying, “Just as the resurrection represents victory over death, I believe Nigeria will triumph over insecurity, evil and fear.”
