Nigerian military forces have successfully freed 31 worshippers who were abducted during Easter services in Kaduna state, as confirmed by the military. The attack occurred in Ariko, a village located approximately 100 kilometers north of the state capital, Abuja. Gunmen targeted churches during the celebrations, leading to a fierce gunfight with soldiers.
The attackers ultimately fled the scene, leaving behind scores of hostages. The military has reported that at least five people were killed in the assault, though local church officials have reported a higher toll of seven worshippers.
The incident was particularly tragic, as it targeted both Catholic and evangelical congregations, despite a nationwide security alert being issued for the Easter period. This alert included enhanced security measures around places of worship. Kaduna state has been addressing a series of mass abductions in recent months, with over 170 churchgoers kidnapped in January, some of whom managed to escape, while others were released following negotiations.
The region has become one of the hardest hit by armed groups known as bandits, who often raid communities and conduct kidnappings for ransom. While financial motives are primarily cited, there are growing concerns over potential links to jihadist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria. The military has not yet clarified whether the attackers in Sunday’s incident were bandits or Islamist militants, simply referring to them as “terrorists.”.
The persistence of violence across northwestern and central Nigeria, despite intensified military operations, has garnered increasing international attention. US President Donald Trump has previously alleged that Christians in Nigeria are facing a “genocide, “a claim that remains a matter of dispute. In a separate development, security sources reported that at least 65 suspected bandits were killed during a military operation in Zamfara state, in a different area from where police had confirmed another mass kidnapping.
Source: Africanews
