Kaduna Community Denies Reports Army Rescued Easter Abductees
A community group in Kaduna State has dismissed reports that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, have been rescued by the Nigerian Army.
The Kuturmi Unity Development Association described the reports as false and misleading.
The rebuttal follows earlier claims that troops had successfully freed victims of a coordinated attack on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday.
Suspected bandits had stormed Ariko in the early hours of Easter, attacking two Christian worship centres, killing several worshippers, and abducting scores of others, an incident that sparked outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.
In a statement dated April 6, 2026, the association’s president, J.D. Ariko, said all abducted persons remain in captivity.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 31 persons abducted during the Easter service in Ariko. We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and misleading,” the statement read.
He added that families of the victims are still in contact with the abductors, who have confirmed that the victims are alive and being held at their camp.
“This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation,” he said.
The community leader expressed concern over the circulation of inaccurate information, warning that such reports could create confusion, give false hope to grieving families, and erode public trust in official communication.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies, he urged authorities to ensure that only verified information is released, especially on sensitive matters involving lives.
“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority. We call on all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release,” the statement added.
The association also expressed solidarity with affected families and assured that updates would be shared as credible information becomes available.
The Nigerian Army has not yet responded to the denial.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
Related posts:
Army Denies Suicide Reports, Launches Investigation Into Akwa Ibom Officer’s Death
Thai Boys And Their Soccer Coach Rescued From A Flooded Cave Rescued
Kwara Church Attack: Bandits Reportedly Place N100m Ransom On Each Abductees
Despite Release of Kwara, Kebbi Abductees, Mass Kidnapping Continues Across Nigeria
