FRESH details have emerged following the deadly attack on a branch of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Arikon community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where worshippers were killed and dozens abducted during an Easter service.
The assault, which has sent shockwaves across the state, occurred as congregants gathered for worship, turning what should have been a sacred celebration into a scene of chaos and grief.
According to a security source who spoke to News Point Nigeria via telephone on Sunday night, the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, riding on more than 20 motorcycles.
The assailants reportedly surrounded the church while the service was still ongoing before launching a coordinated attack.
“As they arrived, some of them dismounted and began shooting in different directions,” the source said.
The gunfire triggered panic among worshippers, many of whom attempted to flee the scene. However, at least five individuals were killed while trying to escape.
The violence extended beyond the ECWA church, as worshippers at a nearby Catholic church were also caught in the chaos.
“While the attack was ongoing at the ECWA church, people in the Catholic church started running when they heard the gunshots. Unfortunately, one person was killed in the process,” the source added.
Those confirmed killed at the ECWA church have been identified as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu, and Adamu Jatau.
The victims were reportedly shot while attempting to escape from the attackers.
In addition, at least 29 worshippers were abducted during the raid, including entire families.
Among those taken are Garba Tanko, his wife Lami Garba, their daughter Rachel Garba, and a grandchild, Moses Yakubu.
Also abducted are Rahab Usman and his daughter Victoria Rahab, as well as Sunday Ayuba.
Another family affected includes Dantani Alhaji, his wife Mary Dantani, and their three daughters—Helen, Rejoice, and Ahmadu.
Following the attack, security forces moved into the area to assess the situation.
The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Mohammed, alongside the Sector 4 Commander of the Nigerian Army, Col. IR Adom, reportedly led a convoy of over 30 vehicles to the affected community.
Their visit was aimed at evaluating the extent of the damage and coordinating a response to the incident.
The aftermath of the attack has left Arikon community virtually deserted, as residents fled in fear of further violence.
Many villagers have reportedly sought refuge in nearby towns, including Katari, Jere, and Kachia.
The mass displacement underscores the growing insecurity in the area and the vulnerability of rural communities to such attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.