- Kaduna Community Denies Rescue Of Abducted Easter Worshippers
- Families reportedly still in contact with abductors confirming victims alive
- Group urges accurate information and intensified efforts for victims’ release
A community group in Kaduna State has dismissed reports that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, were rescued by the Nigerian Army.
The group described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the victims remain in captivity.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the reaction followed earlier claims that troops had freed worshippers kidnapped during a coordinated attack on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday.
Suspected bandits had stormed Ariko community in the early hours of Easter, attacking two Christian worship centres, killing several worshippers and abducting others into the bush.
The incident sparked outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.
However, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J. D. Ariko, in a statement dated April 6, 2026, rejected the reports of a successful rescue.
“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.
According to the community leader, families of the victims are still in contact with the abductors, who confirmed that the worshippers are alive.
He said, “Families of the victims are still in contact with the abductors, who have reportedly confirmed that the victims are alive and currently held at their camp.
“This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation.”
The association raised concern over what it described as the circulation of inaccurate reports about the incident.
It warned that such claims could create confusion, raise false hope among families, and erode public trust in official information.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies to address insecurity in the region, the group urged authorities to ensure that only verified information is released.
The community also called for intensified action to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“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 expressed solidarity with affected families and assured residents that updates would be provided once credible information becomes available.
