A series of coordinated attacks during Easter celebrations has left at least 16 people dead and many others displaced across several northern states, including Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Borno, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the region.
In Benue State, suspected armed herders launched attacks on Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others. Residents were forced to flee their homes following the invasion, which reportedly occurred during a market day.
Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident, stating that bodies were recovered between Saturday evening and Sunday. He described the attack as unprovoked and called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing them as a “barbaric act” and a threat to peace and security in the state.
In Kaduna State, gunmen attacked two worship centres in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, during Easter services. The affected churches—First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church—were reportedly invaded by heavily armed assailants, leaving at least five worshippers dead and several others abducted.
The Nigerian Army said its troops responded swiftly to a distress call, engaging the attackers in a gun battle and rescuing 31 abducted civilians. The Army added that the assailants fled with injuries as troops intensified pursuit operations.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, a police officer was killed during fresh bandit attacks in Tangani and Sayaya communities across Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas. Governor Dikko Radda visited the affected areas, sympathising with residents and directing the deployment of additional security personnel.
In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area, burning homes and shops and forcing residents to flee. According to the police, no lives were lost in the incident, though significant property damage was recorded.
The attack came less than 24 hours after insurgents struck an internally displaced persons camp in Damasak and a police facility in Nganzai, where four police officers and a civilian hunter were killed.
Security agencies say operations are ongoing to track down the attackers and prevent further violence, even as residents across the affected states continue to call for increased protection and lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity.