Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has refuted Police report which said 4 Persons were killed in the Easter Sunday Kebbi attack, saying , 24 people were reportedly killed in the deadly attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, disclosed by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, is the latest in a string of assaults targeting border communities between Kebbi and neighbouring Niger State.
According to the Diocese, suspected terrorists stormed the village around 5pm on April 5, unleashing hours of violence that left scores dead and properties destroyed.
Contrary to earlier police reports that put the death toll at four, the Diocese insisted that 24 people lost their lives. It noted that the victims cut across religious lines ,Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers , describing the incident as “a tragedy against humanity.”
The attackers reportedly razed St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a mosque, residential buildings, and shops, while primarily targeting men and youths.
The violence also spread to neighbouring communities such as Binuwa and Kalkame, where widespread destruction was recorded, including markets and the emir’s residence.
Security sources said the attackers were believed to have emerged from hideouts in the Wawa Forest in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
In response, the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the deployment of tactical units, alongside the military, marine police, and local vigilantes, to restore order.
In the aftermath, hundreds of residents fled their homes. The Diocese revealed that about 491 internally displaced persons are currently sheltering at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri, facing urgent needs including food, clean water, medical care, and adequate shelter.
Calling for urgent intervention, the Church appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor , Mohammed Idris to take decisive action to restore security and enable displaced persons to return home.
The Diocese said 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
The Diocese urged humanitarian organisations and the international community to step in and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
