Date: April 6, 2026 l Reporter: Stephen
A fresh wave of violence has struck Nigeria’s northeast as suspected terrorists launched a night attack on Chibok community in Borno State, setting a church and several homes ablaze just hours before Easter Sunday celebrations.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the community in a coordinated operation, targeting civilian areas and places of worship. Residents said the assault occurred late at night, spreading panic across the town as families fled for safety amid the destruction.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the insurgents set fire to a church and multiple houses, leaving significant property damage and forcing many residents to abandon their homes. The scale of casualties remains unclear as of the time of reporting, with local sources still assessing the aftermath of the attack.
Chibok, a town globally known for the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls by the extremist group Boko Haram, has remained vulnerable to repeated insurgent attacks over the years. The latest incident has reignited fears among residents, particularly during a major religious period when communities typically gather for worship.
Security challenges in Borno State continue to persist despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing insurgency in the region. Armed groups, including factions linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have frequently carried out attacks on both civilians and security forces.
The attack comes amid heightened security concerns across Nigeria during the Easter period, with authorities previously deploying additional personnel nationwide to protect churches and public spaces from potential threats.
As of now, there has been no official statement detailing arrests or confirming the full extent of the damage, but security agencies are expected to intensify operations in the area to prevent further attacks.
The latest assault underscores the ongoing threat facing communities in northeastern Nigeria, as residents continue to live under the constant risk of violence and displacement.