Kebbi bloodshed: 24 killed, church, mosque torched in fresh attack

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has raised fresh concerns over escalating violence in Kebbi State, disclosing that 24 people were killed in a deadly Easter Sunday attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area.

The incident is the latest in a string of attacks targeting border communities between Kebbi and Niger states.

Just days before the tragedy, suspected bandits carried out coordinated night raids on several villages in Shanga LGA, including Gebe, Kawara and Kalkami, burning homes and forcing residents to flee.

Security sources believe the attackers operated from hideouts in the Wawa Forest located in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Confirming the development, the Kebbi State Police Command said tactical units, alongside the military, marine police and local vigilantes, have been deployed to restore calm in the affected areas.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Yauri, the Diocese said the attackers stormed Debe village at about 5 p.m. on April 5, unleashing hours of violence that left many dead and properties destroyed.

“We want Nigeria and the international community to know what transpired in Debe,” the Diocese said, adding that the confirmed death toll is 24, contrary to earlier police reports of four.

According to the Church, the victims cut across religious lines — Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers — describing the incident as “a tragedy against humanity, not a particular faith.”

The attackers reportedly set fire to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a mosque, homes and shops, while many of those killed were men and youths.

“The terrorists invaded the village and killed 24 people. Properties were destroyed, including a church and a mosque. This is a devastating blow to the entire community,” the statement added.

The violence also spread to nearby communities such as Binuwa and Kalkame, with reports of extensive destruction. Markets and even the emir’s residence were affected.

Following the attacks, hundreds of residents fled their homes in search of safety. The Diocese revealed that 491 internally displaced persons are currently taking refuge at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri.

“These displaced persons are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care and adequate shelter,” the Diocese said, noting that relief efforts are already overstretched.

While providing emergency support, the Church called on both the Federal Government and Kebbi State authorities to take immediate action.

It specifically urged Bola Tinubu and Mohammed Idris to implement decisive measures to restore security and ensure displaced residents can safely return to their communities.

The Diocese warned that fear has gripped communities across the state, with many residents unable to bury their dead or rebuild their lives.

“People are being killed on a daily basis in Nigeria. Communities in Kebbi State are now living in fear,” the statement said.

It further appealed to humanitarian organisations and the international community to urgently intervene and support affected communities, while calling for long-term solutions to address insecurity in the region