More details have emerged about the attack on The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Arikon community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where bandits killed five worshippers and abducted 29 others during an Easter service.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community while church activities were ongoing, throwing residents into panic.
A security source who spoke with Daily Trust on Sunday night said the assailants invaded the community on over 20 motorcycles and surrounded the church while the service was still in progress.
According to the source, some of the attackers dismounted and began shooting in different directions.
“The bandits invaded the community on more than 20 motorcycles and surrounded the church while the service was ongoing. As some of them alighted from the motorcycles, they opened fire in different directions,” the source said.
The gunmen reportedly shot dead five worshippers who attempted to escape the attack.
The source added that the attack initially targeted the ECWA church before spreading panic to nearby areas.
“Actually, the bandits first attacked the ECWA church. And while they were shooting, worshippers at the Catholic Church started running out of the church, but the bandits killed one of them,” he said.
The victims killed during the attack were identified as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu, and Adamu Jatau.
The source said the victims were shot while trying to flee the scene.
Among those abducted during the attack were Garba Tanko, his wife Lami Garba, their daughter Rachel Garba, and a grandchild, Moses Yakubu.
Others reportedly taken by the attackers include Rahab Usman and his daughter, Victoria Rahab.
Also kidnapped were Sunday Ayuba, Dantani Alhaji, his wife Mary Dantani, and their three daughters, identified as Helen, Rejoice, and Ahmadu.
Following the incident, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Mohammed, and the Sector 4 Commander of the Nigerian Army, Col. I.R. Adom, reportedly led a convoy of more than 30 vehicles to the community to assess the situation.
The visit was aimed at evaluating the security situation and coordinating response efforts.
Sources said the entire community has largely been deserted after the attack. Many residents reportedly fled to neighbouring towns, including Katari, Jere, and Kachia, in search of safety.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna, particularly during religious gatherings and festive periods.
