The Nigerian Army rescued 31 worshippers taken hostage during an attack on a church in northwestern Kaduna State, Nigeria, during Easter celebrations. The assault occurred in Ariko village, approximately 100 kilometers from Abuja, leading to the tragic discovery of five victims found dead at the scene.

According to local media reports, both a Catholic and an evangelical church were targeted in the attack. A local church official indicated that the death toll could be as high as seven, although the exact number of people abducted remains unclear.

In a statement, the Nigerian Army confirmed, “Through a swift response, (troops) have successfully foiled a terrorist attack leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service.” The military is currently pursuing the attackers who fled the scene after the incident.

The northwestern regions of Nigeria, including Kaduna, have been plagued by mass kidnappings for ransom and regular raids on villages for years. Criminal gangs, referred to locally as bandits, have terrorized several states in this area.

In a related effort to combat rising violence, the United States has deployed a small group of military personnel to Nigeria to assist local forces in countering terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the total number of individuals abducted during this latest attack. The situation continues to evolve as authorities work to address the ongoing security challenges in the region.

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