A Wave of Violence During Easter Celebrations in Northern Nigeria
Easter celebrations in northern Nigeria were marred by a series of deadly attacks, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and displacing dozens of people across several states. The violence unfolded in Borno, Katsina, Benue, and Kaduna, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Attacks in Benue State
In Benue State, suspected armed herders launched a brutal assault on the communities of Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana in Gwer East Local Government Area. The attack occurred on a busy market day, leading to the deaths of 10 people and injuries to several others. Residents fled to safer areas as the attackers invaded the market and surrounding communities.
The chairman of Gwer West LGA, Timothy Adi, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH, stating that two corpses were recovered on Saturday night. He added that nine bodies had been found so far, with two recovered on Saturday and seven on Sunday. Adi lamented the unprovoked nature of the attack and called on the Federal Government to address the activities of armed herders in the state.
Attacks in Kaduna State
In Kaduna State, terrorists targeted two Christian churches in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area, during Easter celebrations. The attack resulted in the deaths of five worshippers and the abduction of 31 others. The Nigerian Army swiftly intervened, rescuing the abducted civilians following a distress call.
A statement from the Nigerian Army’s X handle highlighted the successful operation, noting that troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, overpowering them with superior firepower. The statement also mentioned that the remains of five victims were recovered at the scene, while the attackers sustained significant casualties.
Councillor Mark Bawa, representing Awon Ward, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH. He named the affected churches as First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located in Ariko. Bawa noted that the attackers came in large numbers, surrounding the area and shooting sporadically at worshippers before abducting many.
Attacks in Katsina State
Katsina State experienced renewed banditry attacks, resulting in the death of one policeman. The attacks occurred in Tangani and Sayaya communities of Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas. Governor Dikko Radda visited the Sayaya community following the attack, inspecting damaged facilities and expressing condolences to the families affected by the violence.
Radda directed the deployment of additional security operatives to reinforce safety in the town. Meanwhile, Lawal Batagarawa, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former Minister of State for Education, condemned the persistent killing of lives in the northern region of Nigeria.
Attacks in Borno State
In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area. The attack occurred around 1:30 a.m., with the attackers using motorcycles to carry out the assault. According to a spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, no lives were lost, but critical infrastructure, including private homes and shops, was destroyed.
Residents who spoke to The PUNCH reported that some victims had fled the community in search of safer areas. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the attackers burned down houses and small shops, forcing some owners to seek refuge in Chibok main town.
The attack came less than 24 hours after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked an internally displaced persons camp in Damasak and the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters. In that incident, four police officers and one hunter were killed, and an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier was partially burnt.
