Easter attacks: Bandits kill 16 in Benue, Katsina, Kaduna

Defence minister, Musa

A wave of deadly attacks marred Easter celebrations in northern Nigeria, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens more displaced across Borno, Katsina, Benue and Kaduna states.

In Benue State, suspected armed herders stormed Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area, killing 10 people and injuring several others, while residents fled to safer areas.

In Kaduna State, terrorists raided two Christian churches in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area, killing five worshippers and abducting 31 others.

The victims were later rescued by Nigerian Army troops following a swift operation, though the attackers escaped with significant casualties.

Katsina State recorded the deaths of one policeman during renewed banditry attacks in Tangani and Sayaya communities of Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area, burning houses and shops and forcing residents to flee.

The assault came less than 24 hours after previous attacks on an internally displaced persons camp and a police post in Damasak and Nganzai, which killed four police officers and a civilian hunter.

The attacks came as security forces intensified efforts to rid the region of criminality.

The Benue attackers reportedly invaded the communities late on Saturday, being a market day at Mbalom.

The attackers invaded the market as well as the Mbatsada and Agana communities, leaving at least 10 people dead and several others injured.

The chairman of Gwer West LGA, Timothy Adi, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH, adding that two corpses were recovered on Saturday night.