The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has reported that 24 people were killed in a coordinated terrorist attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State during an Easter Sunday assault.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Yauri, the Diocese disputed earlier reports from the Kebbi State Police Command, which had put the death toll at four, describing the incident as far more devastating than officially acknowledged.
According to the Church, the attack occurred around 5:00 pm on April 5, when armed terrorists invaded the community and carried out hours of violence, targeting residents including men and youths.
The Diocese further revealed that the attackers set fire to both St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a mosque in the area, along with several homes, shops, and other properties, in what it described as a coordinated and indiscriminate assault.
It added that victims of the attack cut across religious lines, affecting Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers alike, while insisting the tragedy should be viewed as an attack on humanity rather than any specific faith group.
The violence reportedly spread to nearby communities, leading to widespread displacement. The Church said it is currently sheltering 491 internally displaced persons at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri.
It also warned of worsening humanitarian conditions, noting that the displaced persons urgently need food, medical care, clean water, and shelter, as available resources are already overstretched.
The Diocese criticised the worsening security situation in the region and urged both federal and state authorities to take urgent and decisive action to protect vulnerable communities and restore peace.
