24 killed, church, mosque razed in Kebbi attack — Catholic diocese
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has raised alarm over rising violence in Kebbi State, disclosing that 24 people were killed in an Easter Sunday attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area.
The incident is the latest in a string of attacks affecting border communities between Kebbi and Niger states.
Days before the attack, suspected bandits carried out coordinated night raids on several villages in the same local government area, including Gebe, Kawara, and Kalkami. Homes were burnt, and residents were forced to flee.
Security sources indicated that the attackers likely emerged from hideouts in the Wawa Forest in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the deployment of tactical units, alongside the military, marine police, and local vigilantes, to restore order.
In a statement issued in Yauri on Thursday, the Diocese said the attackers stormed Debe around 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, noting that the confirmed death toll stands at 24, contrary to earlier police reports of four.
According to the Church, the victims included 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, residential buildings, and shops, while mostly targeting men and youths.
The violence spread to nearby communities, with reports of destruction in Binuwa and Kalkame. Markets and even the emir’s residence were affected.
In the aftermath, hundreds of residents fled their homes. 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 statement said, warning that available support is overstretched.
While providing emergency relief, the Church called on the Federal Government and Kebbi State authorities to act swiftly.
“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 also warned that fear has gripped communities across the state, with 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 added.
The Diocese appealed to humanitarian organisations and the international community to intervene urgently and support long-term solutions to the insecurity in the region.
