The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has raised concerns over rising violence in Kebbi State, reporting that 24 people were killed during an Easter Sunday attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area.
The incident is part of a series of violent attacks affecting border communities between Kebbi and neighbouring Niger State. Just days earlier, armed groups reportedly carried out coordinated night raids on several villages in Shanga LGA, including Gebe, Kawara, and Kalkami, burning homes and forcing residents to flee.
Security sources indicated that the attackers were believed to have operated from hideouts in the Wawa Forest located in Borgu LGA of Niger State.
In response, the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the deployment of tactical teams, alongside the military, marine police, and local vigilantes, to restore order in the affected areas.
In a statement released in Yauri, the Diocese said the attackers stormed Debe around 5pm on April 5, carrying out hours of violence that left many dead and properties destroyed. It clarified that the death toll stood at 24, disputing earlier reports that placed the figure much lower.
According to the Diocese, the victims included people from different religious backgrounds—Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers—emphasising that the attack was a humanitarian tragedy rather than a religious conflict.
The assailants reportedly set fire to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a mosque, homes, and shops, with most victims identified as men and young people.
The violence also spread to nearby communities such as Binuwa and Kalkame, where markets and even the emir’s residence were damaged.
Following the attack, hundreds of residents fled their homes. The Diocese revealed that about 491 displaced persons are currently sheltering at St. Dominic Parish in Yauri, where they are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical assistance, and proper shelter.
While providing immediate relief, the Church called on the Federal Government and Kebbi State authorities to take swift action to restore security and enable displaced residents to return home safely.
It also warned that fear has gripped many communities, with residents struggling to bury their dead or rebuild their lives.
The Diocese appealed to humanitarian organisations and the international community for urgent assistance, stressing the need for both immediate support and long-term solutions to the growing insecurity in the region.
