The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed that 24 people, including both Christians and Muslims, were killed in a deadly Easter Sunday attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to reports, suspected bandits had earlier carried out coordinated night raids on several nearby communities, including Gebe, Kawara and Kalkami, burning homes and forcing residents to flee.
Security sources said the attackers were believed to have come from hideouts within the Wawa Forest in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that joint tactical teams, including military personnel, marine police, and local vigilantes, have since been deployed to restore order in the affected areas.
In a statement issued in Yauri, the Catholic Diocese said the assault occurred around 5 p.m. on April 5, describing it as a coordinated attack that left several dead and widespread destruction of property.
“We want Nigeria and the international community to know what transpired in Debe,” the Diocese said, adding that the confirmed death toll stood at 24, contrary to earlier police reports of four fatalities.
The Church stressed that the victims cut across religious lines, noting that Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers were all affected, and describing the incident as “a tragedy against humanity, not a particular faith.”
During the attack, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a mosque were set ablaze, alongside residential buildings and shops. The attackers were also said to have targeted mostly men and young people.
The violence reportedly spread to neighbouring communities, including Binuwa and Kalkame, where markets and even the emir’s residence were affected. Many residents fled their homes in the aftermath.
The Diocese further disclosed that about 491 internally displaced persons are currently taking shelter at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri, where the Church is providing emergency assistance. It warned that the displaced persons urgently need food, clean water, medical care, and shelter.
Calling for urgent government intervention, the Diocese urged President Bola Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Idris to take decisive action to restore security and enable displaced residents to return home safely.
It also appealed to humanitarian organisations and the international community to support relief efforts, warning that communities in the state are increasingly gripped by fear amid ongoing insecurity.
