A community group in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has rejected reports that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter service have been rescued by the Nigerian Army.
In a statement issued on April 6, 2026, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J.D. Ariko, described the reports as false and misleading.
He said the community had received information suggesting that the victims were freed by the military, but insisted that no such rescue had taken place.
“Our attention has been drawn to claims that the Nigerian Army has rescued 31 abducted persons from the Easter attack in Ariko. We state clearly that this is not true,” the statement read.
According to him, the abducted worshippers are still in captivity, with families reportedly in contact with the kidnappers, who confirmed that the victims remain alive.
He noted that this contradicts claims of any successful rescue operation.
The abduction followed an attack by suspected bandits on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday, during which several worshippers were killed and others taken away.
The community expressed concern over the circulation of unverified information, warning that such reports could create false hope for families and erode public trust.
It called on authorities to ensure that only confirmed updates are made public, especially on sensitive security issues.
The group also urged security agencies and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to secure the safe and unconditional release of those still in captivity.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had yet to respond to the community’s claims.
