Catholic Diocese Confirms 24 Fatalities in Easter Attack on Kebbi Community
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has issued a grave statement regarding escalating insecurity in Kebbi State, confirming that 24 individuals lost their lives during a violent assault on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred during the Easter period, represents a significant escalation of violence in border communities between Kebbi and Niger states.
Coordinated Night Raids Precede Main Assault
In the days leading up to the incident, armed groups conducted coordinated night raids on multiple villages within Shanga LGA. Communities including Gebe, Kawara, and Kalkami experienced similar attacks, with homes set ablaze and residents fleeing into surrounding areas for safety. Security sources suspect the attackers may have operated from hideouts within the Wawa Forest area of Niger state's Borgu Local Government Area.
Attack Details and Religious Impact
According to the Diocese's statement issued in Yauri, armed men stormed Debe village around 5 pm on Sunday, April 5, unleashing hours of destruction that resulted in multiple fatalities and extensive property damage. The Diocese specifically challenged earlier official casualty figures, insisting the death toll stands at 24 rather than the four initially reported by police authorities.
The victims represented diverse religious backgrounds, including Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers, with the Diocese describing the killings as a tragedy transcending faith lines. During the assault, attackers set fire to St. Mary's Catholic Church, a local mosque, numerous residential buildings, and commercial shops. Most victims were reportedly men and young people from the community.
Widespread Destruction and Displacement
The Diocese characterized the assault as causing devastating loss across the entire village, with both religious institutions and private properties destroyed. The violence subsequently extended to nearby communities including Binuwa and Kalkame, where additional destruction was documented. Reports indicate markets were attacked and even the emir's residence was affected.
Following the incident, hundreds of residents were forced to abandon their homes. The Diocese confirmed approximately 491 displaced persons are currently taking refuge at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri. These individuals urgently require food, clean water, medical care, and shelter, with existing support systems already stretched beyond capacity.
Security Response and Humanitarian Crisis
The Kebbi State Police Command has responded by deploying tactical units alongside military personnel, marine police, and local vigilantes to restore order in affected communities. While providing emergency assistance, the Church has called upon both federal and state authorities to implement urgent security improvements and ensure displaced families can safely return home.
The Diocese specifically appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Idris to respond decisively to the growing violence. Fear has taken hold in multiple communities across the state, leaving many residents unable to bury their deceased or resume normal daily activities. The Church has additionally appealed to humanitarian agencies and international partners for immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.
Related Security Incident
In a related development, nine Nigerian soldiers, one police officer, and two civilians were killed in a separate ambush by suspected gunmen in Giro Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State on March 24. Eyewitnesses reported attackers targeted security operatives after trailing them to a construction site, setting two military trucks ablaze during the assault that left the community in shock and caused widespread panic among residents.
