Bandits reportedly killed seven people and abducted several others in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to a report by The Punch, the assailants attacked two Christian worship centres during Easter celebrations on Sunday.

The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attacks to journalists. 

According to him, the affected worship centres are the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ariko.

Mr Bawa stated that while investigations were still ongoing regarding the number of casualties, sources said seven or eight people were killed, and others were abducted. 

“The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” he told The Punch.

The latest development came two months after terrorists stormed the Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, kidnapping scores of worshippers.

The repeated killings and kidnappings, especially in remote communities, have deepened concerns around the deteriorating security across the country.