About 25 people were killed on Sunday as coordinated attacks hit communities in Benue State and Kaduna State during Easter celebrations.

The violence struck Mbalom in Gwer East and Ariko near Kateri in Kachia, leaving homes burnt, worshippers dead, and several residents abducted.

In Benue, at least 17 people died after suspected armed herdsmen invaded Mbalom between late Saturday and early Sunday.

Witnesses said attackers opened fire and set houses ablaze, forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushes.

“I spoke with one of the survivors… many people were killed and some brave youths are recovering corpses.”

“Many residents are missing as people were running in different directions.”

The community has endured repeated violence since the June 12 era, including the April 24, 2018 killing of two Catholic priests and 17 worshippers.

That earlier attack at St. Ignatius Parish deepened national outrage and led to a mass burial under former governor Samuel Ortom.

Governor Alia Condemns Benue Killings

Reacting, Hyacinth Alia described the latest assault as unacceptable and vowed action.

“This act is unacceptable and a direct affront to our collective peace and security.”

“We stand firmly with affected families in this difficult time.”

He warned that recurring attacks show a troubling pattern across parts of the state.

“These acts of terror… will not be allowed to thrive.”

The governor confirmed that security agencies had begun tracking the attackers and promised strengthened operations.

Meanwhile, many Mbalom residents have deserted the area, fearing further violence as bodies continue to be recovered.

Kaduna Church Attack Leaves Dead, Hostages Taken

In Kaduna, at least eight worshippers were killed when gunmen attacked churches during Easter services in Ariko community.

The affected churches included First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church within the district.

“The attackers came in large numbers… they surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically.”

“Initially seven were killed, but now it is eight, and many others were taken away.”

The statement came from local councillor Mark Bawa, who confirmed the scale of the attack.

Kaduna’s Internal Security Commissioner, Sule Shu’aibu, also confirmed the incident.

“The attack occurred in a village near Kateri… I am meeting security chiefs over it.”

Poor telecom signals in the area reportedly delayed emergency response, allowing attackers to operate longer.

Army Responds As Katsina Also Hit

However, troops of the Nigerian Army later intercepted fleeing attackers in Kaduna and rescued 31 abducted civilians.

“Troops pursued the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce firefight.”

“The pressure forced them to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim.”

The army confirmed that five victims had already been killed before the rescue operation.

“Additional troops have been deployed to reinforce operations and prevent further threats.”

Meanwhile, separate attacks in Katsina State left two people dead and properties worth millions destroyed.

Residents reported that gunmen burned a hospital in Sayaya and attacked nearby towns, spreading more fear across the region.

Peter Obi Reacts: “Another Failed Promise”

Reacting to the development in Benue, opposition politician Peter Obi berated the president for incompetence and mocked him for failing to keep his promise to secure the people.

Peter wrote: “Less than 24 hours after President Tinubu stood at the Jos Plateau State airport on April 2, 2026, and promised the grieving Nigerian citizens, “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” another brutal attack occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA, resulting in the deaths of several innocent citizens.

“Since then, and only a week following that reassuring promise from the President, Nasarawa State has been plunged into grief as the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities fled for their lives after gunmen killed at least 11 people. Many homes were reduced to ashes, and numerous families remain missing.

“In Zamfara State, 150 innocent Nigerians were abducted from the Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji communities in one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent times. On the same day of the Zamfara kidnappings, terrorists in Borno State stormed Chibok, killing four officers and burning down homes.

“Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, Benue State was rocked by violence again, with over 17 Nigerians massacred, entire communities left in ruins, and many individuals still unaccounted for. Today, in Kaduna State, several innocent citizens were killed by terrorists inside churches, with many others abducted in the Ariko community of Kachia LGA.

“Yet we were told, “This experience will not repeat itself.” This represents a failure of leadership and responsibility, and sadly, Nigerians are paying for it with their lives.

“These attackers are not ghostly figures; our inaction emboldens them. How can a President make such a categorical promise and, mere hours later, the nation continues to count the dead across multiple states? The primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property; however, this responsibility is failing today. Nigerians are being slaughtered in their homes, in their communities, and in the very places they should feel safest. Even the President did not enter these communities, so who is truly safe in Nigeria?

“This is a national emergency. Nigeria is bleeding, and the situation is worsening and increasingly helpless,’ Obi concluded.

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