Kaduna community rejects Army’s claim of rescuing 31 Easter worshippers

Residents of Arikon community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have dismissed the Nigerian Army’s claim that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter church attack were rescued, insisting that the victims are still being held by their abductors.

The Nigerian Army had earlier announced that troops responded to a distress call after bandits attacked a branch of The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) during Easter service. According to the military, soldiers engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon dozens of hostages while fleeing the scene.

In its account of the operation, the Army said pressure from advancing troops compelled the terrorists to release 31 kidnapped worshippers, adding that one of the rescued victims sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.

However, leaders of the affected community have challenged the claim, describing it as inaccurate and misleading.

The Kuturmi Unity Development Association, representing the community, said the abducted worshippers remain in captivity. In a statement issued on Monday and jointly signed by its President, Dr. J.D. Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Hon. Manasseh Samuel, the association said families of the victims have maintained communication with the kidnappers.

According to the group, the abductors confirmed that the victims had been taken safely to their camp, contradicting the military’s claim of a successful rescue operation.

“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 31 persons who were abducted by bandits during the Easter service in Arikon, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement read.

“We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and does not reflect the situation on the ground. Contrary to the reports being circulated, all the abducted persons are still in captivity with their abductors.”

The association said the continued contact between the victims’ families and the kidnappers provides clear evidence that no rescue had taken place.

“The families and representatives of the victims remain in contact with the bandits, who have confirmed the safe arrival of the victims at their camp. This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation,” the group stated.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country, the community leaders expressed concern over what they described as the dissemination of inaccurate information regarding the incident.

They warned that such reports could cause confusion and give affected families false hope.

“While we recognize and appreciate the efforts of security agencies in tackling insecurity across the country, it is deeply troubling that such inaccurate information is being disseminated to the public,” the statement said.

The association therefore urged the Nigerian Army and other relevant authorities to ensure that only verified information is released to the public, particularly in situations involving human lives.

“We call on the Nigerian Army and all relevant authorities to ensure that only verified and factual information is released to the public, especially on sensitive matters involving human lives,” the group added.

The community also appealed to government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.

“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority, and we urge all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release,” the statement said.

The attack on the ECWA church during Easter service had triggered widespread concern, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of Kaduna State.

Community sources said five persons were killed during the attack. They were identified as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu, and Adamu Jatau.

Among those reportedly abducted are Garba Tanko, his wife Lami Garba, their daughter Rachel Garba, and a grandchild Moses Yakubu.

Others listed as victims include Rahab Usman and his daughter Victoria Rahab; Sunday Ayuba; Dantani Alhaji and his wife Mary Dantani, as well as their three daughters Helen, Rejoice, and Ahmadu.

The incident has renewed fears over the safety of rural communities in southern Kaduna and underscored the continuing threat posed by armed bandits operating in the region.