Prosper Okoye
A wave of attacks during Easter celebrations in northern Nigeria has left at least 16 people dead and forced dozens from their homes, authorities and residents said Sunday.
In Benue State, suspected armed herders attacked the communities of Mbalom, Mbatsada and Agana in Gwer East Local Government Area late Saturday, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others. Residents fled as gunmen stormed a market and surrounding areas.
Local official Timothy Adi said the нападение occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., with bodies recovered over two days. He described the assault as unprovoked and called for stronger federal intervention.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGovernor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric” and a threat to peace and security.
In Kaduna State, gunmen attacked two churches in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area, during Easter services, killing at least five worshippers and abducting dozens. The affected churches were First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church.
The Nigerian Army said troops responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon 31 abducted civilians, including one injured victim receiving treatment. The military said five bodies were recovered at the scene and that the attackers likely suffered casualties.
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In Katsina State, a police officer was killed in separate bandit attacks on Tangani and Sayaya communities in Musawa and Matazu local government areas. Governor Dikko Radda visited the affected areas and ordered increased security deployment.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area early Sunday, burning homes and shops but causing no reported deaths, police said.
Residents said the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, operated for over an hour, forcing many to flee to safer locations.
The assault came less than 24 hours after separate attacks on an internally displaced persons camp in Damasak and a police facility in Nganzai, where four police officers and a civilian hunter were killed, according to authorities.
Security forces say operations are ongoing to track down the attackers and prevent further violence.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
