Nigerian Troops Rescue 31 Abducted During Easter Church Service in Kaduna
Nigerian troops rescued 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter service attack in Kaduna State, officials said. Five victims were killed as security forces continue pursuit operations.
Residents and security personnel gather in Ariko Village, Kaduna State, after an attack on an Easter church service. Nigerian troops later rescued 31 abducted worshippers, authorities said. (Credit: Nigerian Army via X)
LAGOS, April 5 (EEW Newswire) - Nigerian troops have rescued 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Kaduna State, according to a statement published on the official of the Nigerian Army.
The attack occurred in Ariko Village, located in Kachia Local Government Area, where worshippers gathered for Easter service at an ECWA church were targeted by armed assailants.
The army said troops responded after receiving a distress call reporting the abduction. Soldiers were deployed to the scene and, with guidance from members of the local community, pursued the attackers as they fled.
Residents and a Nigerian soldier are seen in Ariko Village, Kaduna State, following an attack on an Easter church service. Troops later rescued abducted worshippers, according to the Nigerian Army. (Credit: Nigerian Army via X)
According to the statement, troops engaged the assailants in a firefight and “overwhelmed them with superior firepower,” forcing them to retreat and abandon 31 hostages. One of the rescued victims sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
Officials confirmed that five victims were killed in the attack. Their bodies were recovered at the scene.
Images from Ariko Village, Kaduna State, following an attack on an Easter church service that left five people dead and dozens abducted. Nigerian troops later rescued 31 hostages, according to the Nigerian Army. (Credit: Nigerian Army via X)
The Nigerian Army said there are indications the attackers suffered casualties, citing blood trails along their escape routes, though no specific figures were provided.
Military operations remain ongoing as troops continue efforts to track the fleeing attackers and locate any additional captives. Reinforcements have been deployed to the area to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
Residents gather outdoors in Ariko Village, Kaduna State, in the aftermath of an attack on an Easter church service. (Credit: Nigerian Army via X)
In its statement, the army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining national security, adding that it is working alongside other security agencies and local stakeholders. Authorities also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
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