24 Dead, Worship Centres Destroyed in Deadly Assault in Kebbi – Catholic Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has expressed deep concern regarding the rise in violence in Kebbi State.

Recent reports indicate that 24 individuals lost their lives in a tragic Easter Sunday attack on Debe village, located in the Shanga Local Government Area, as covered by The PUNCH.

Recent reports highlight a surge in violent incidents in the border regions between Kebbi and Niger states.

In a coordinated attack days prior, suspected bandits targeted several villages within the Shanga Local Government Area, specifically Gebe, Kawara, and Kalkami. This assault destroyed homes and forced many residents to flee for safety.

Security sources indicate that the attackers are believed to have originated from hideouts within the Wawa Forest located in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

In response to the escalating violence, the Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the deployment of tactical units, military personnel, marine police, and local vigilantes to help restore order in the affected areas.

On April 5, around 5 PM, suspected terrorists reportedly attacked a community in Kebbi State, unleashing a barrage of violence that resulted in numerous fatalities and significant property damage, according to a statement released from Yauri, Kebbi State.

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

The victims, according to the Church, cut across religious lines — Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers — underscoring what it described as a “tragedy against humanity, not a particular faith.”

The attackers reportedly set ablaze St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a mosque, residential homes and shops, while targeting mostly men and youth.

“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 spilt into neighbouring communities, with reports of widespread destruction in Binuwa and Kalkame. Markets and even the emir’s residence were not spared.

In the aftermath, hundreds of residents fled their homes, seeking safety. The Diocese disclosed 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,” it said, warning that existing support efforts are overstretched.

While providing emergency assistance, the Church called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and Kebbi State authorities.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Mohammed Idris to take decisive action to restore security and enable displaced persons to return home safely,” the Diocese urged.

It warned that communities across the state are now gripped by fear, with residents unable to bury their dead or rebuild their lives in peace.

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

The Diocese also appealed to humanitarian organisations and the international community to step in urgently to prevent a worsening crisis, while calling for long-term solutions to insecurity in the region.