At least, 24 people have been killed in a brutal attack on Debe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, triggering outrage from Amnesty International, which has called for immediate and impartial investigation.
The attack which occurred on the evening of April 5, 2026, coinciding with Easter Sunday, left scores dead and many others displaced, according to accounts gathered from residents who fled the violence.
Witnesses described the attack as indiscriminate and extremely violent.
One resident, speaking to Amnesty International, said: “The killers were on rampage. During the attack they killed Muslims, Christians and followers of traditional religion. They killed every human being they came across.”
In addition to the killings, widespread destruction was recorded across the community. Several homes were razed, leaving families without shelter, while a Catholic Church, identified as an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish Shafa, was completely destroyed.
Local traders were also affected, with at least 14 shops set ablaze, wiping out goods and livelihoods in the already vulnerable rural settlement.
The violence forced many residents to flee to neighbouring communities, creating a fresh wave of displacement in the area.
Responding to the incident, Amnesty International condemned the killings and urged Nigerian authorities to act swiftly.
The organisation called for a “prompt, thorough and impartial investigation” to ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.
It also stressed the need for immediate protection for survivors and humanitarian assistance for those displaced, noting that affected families require urgent support to rebuild their lives.
Authorities in Kebbi State are yet to issue a detailed official statement on the attack when this report was filed.
Gunmen kill 24 in Kebbi community as Amnesty demands urgent probe