Easter Attacks in Benue and Kaduna Leave 16 Dead as Violence Spreads Across Northern Nigeria
On Easter Sunday, coordinated attacks in Benue and Kaduna left at least 16 people dead, as suspected armed herders and terrorists struck multiple communities in northern Nigeria, according to reports.
The attacks unfolded on Easter weekend. In Benue State (Gwer East LGA), violence was reported on Saturday and early Sunday, while in Kaduna State (Kachia LGA), armed assaults took place on Sunday morning. Separate incidents in Katsina and Borno also contributed to the weekend’s violence, which included killings, abductions, and destruction of homes and public infrastructure.
Authorities confirmed that security forces have launched operations to track down the attackers, while state governments condemned the violence and called for stronger security measures. Against this backdrop, incidents unfolded in several states:
Benue State: Deadly Raid on Mbalom Community
In the Agena community, Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, at least nine to ten residents were killed when suspected armed herders attacked early Sunday morning.
According to local accounts:
- The attackers numbered over 50 armed men.
- They set homes, markets, and food barns ablaze.
- Several residents remain missing.
- One victim is currently receiving medical treatment.
A resident reported:
“As people tried to flee, the gunmen opened fire, killing innocent residents.”
Mr Austin Awua, Security Adviser to the Gwer East Local Government Chairman, confirmed the attack and said security forces had been deployed to prevent further violence.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the incident, describing it as:
“Barbaric and unacceptable… a direct threat to peace in the state.”
He pledged that perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted.
Additionally, the attacks affected the Mbatsada and Agana communities. Reports indicate that casualties occurred specifically between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday, clarifying the timeline of the incidents.
Kaduna State: Church Attacks During Easter Services
In the Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, terrorists attacked two Christian worship centres:
- First ECWA Church
- St. Augustine Catholic Church
The assault during Easter services killed five to seven worshippers and led to several abductions.
Mark Bawa, councillor representing Awon Ward, confirmed the attack, stating:
“The attackers came in large numbers… shooting sporadically at worshippers.”
Military Response and Rescue Operation
The Nigerian Army responded swiftly following a distress call:
- 31 abducted worshippers were rescued
- One injured victim is receiving treatment.
- Troops engaged attackers in a fierce firefight.
- Attackers fled with reported casualties.
Military sources confirmed:
- Five bodies were recovered at the scene.
- Blood trails indicated further casualties among fleeing attackers.
- Additional troops have been deployed.
The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and urged civilians to provide credible intelligence.
Residents also noted that poor telecommunications coverage delayed emergency response, a factor that may have worsened the situation. Katsina State then experienced fresh violence:
Katsina State: Police Officer Killed in Bandit Attack
In the Tangani and Sayaya communities, located in the Musawa and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State, bandits launched renewed attacks.
- One police officer was killed.
- A police station was ambushed.
- A primary healthcare centre was attacked.
- Shops were looted
Governor Dikko Radda visited the affected communities and:
- Assessed the damage
- Condoled with families and security personnel
- Ordered the deployment of additional security operatives
Borno State: Boko Haram/ISWAP Attacks Intensify
In Nganzai and Damasak (Mobbar LGA), Borno State, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists carried out coordinated attacks.
Nganzai Police Headquarters Attack
- Occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday
- Attackers used Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs)
- A section of the station was damaged.
- An unserviceable armoured personnel carrier was partially burned.
Four police officers killed:
- Samuel Ezekiel
- Sanusi Mohammed
- Bitrus Luka
- Shaibu Bukar
Damasak IDP Camp Attack
- The assault on the Damasak IDP Camp took place around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday.
- Targeted a joint security post
- One local hunter, Atom Abua, was killed.
- About 20 houses were destroyed.
Security forces, including:
- Police
- Military
- Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)
- Local hunters
successfully repelled the attackers.
Chibok Attack (Awapul Community)
Another attack in Awapul, Chibok LGA, occurred around 1:30 a.m. Sunday:
- No casualties reported
- Houses and shops were destroyed.
- Residents fled to safer areas.
ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson for Borno State Police Command, confirmed:
“No casualties. It was the destruction of properties.”
Residents said attackers operated for over an hour on motorcycles. Meanwhile, in Taraba State, arrests followed the killing of officers:
Taraba State: Arrests Over Killing of Officers
In the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, police arrested suspects linked to the killing of three officers.
- The attack occurred two weeks prior in Tse Kwe village, Tor Damisa.
- Officers responding to a distress call were ambushed.
- Two suspects from Akente village were arrested.
- All stolen service firearms were recovered.
Conclusion: While the total death toll is widely reported as at least 16, exact figures remain fluid and may change as investigations continue. In light of these figures, broader concerns are growing:
Rising Security Concerns Across Northern Nigeria
The Easter attacks in Benue and Kaduna highlight persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria:
- Recurrent herder-farmer conflicts in Benue
- Ongoing terrorist threats in Kaduna and Borno
- Increasing banditry in Katsina
A political figure, Lawal Batagarawa, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, condemned:
“The persistent and unwanted killing of lives… especially in northern Nigeria.”
Security forces have intensified operations, but:
- Communities remain vulnerable
- Response times are affected by infrastructure gaps.
- Residents continue to demand protection.
Conclusion
The Easter attacks in Benue and Kaduna underscore a troubling pattern of coordinated violence during major religious periods. Despite swift military interventions and ongoing operations, the scale and spread of the attacks raise urgent questions about long-term security strategies in northern Nigeria.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators, but for affected communities, the immediate concerns remain safety, recovery, and justice.
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