Community leaders disputes army’s claim of rescuing Kaduna Easter attack hostages
Leaders of a community in Kaduna State have rejected the Nigerian Army’s claim that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter service attack have been rescued, insisting that all victims remain in captivity.
Leaders of a community in Kaduna State have rejected the Nigerian Army’s claim that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter service attack have been rescued, insisting that all victims remain in captivity.
The attack occurred at a branch of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Arikon community, Kachia Local Government Area, where gunmen killed five persons and kidnapped several worshippers, sparking outrage amid persistent insecurity across the country.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Army said its troops responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon dozens of hostages.
According to the Army, “the pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages,” adding that one of the rescued victims sustained injuries and was receiving medical attention.
However, the Kuturmi Unity Development Association has dismissed the claim as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday, signed by the president of the Association, J. D. Ariko, and its publicity secretary, Manasseh Samuel, circulated to Journalists said families of the abducted victims are still in contact with the kidnappers, who confirmed that all those taken during the attack 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 Arikon,” the statement said.
“We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and does not reflect the current situation. All the abducted persons are still in captivity, and their families remain in contact with the bandits, who confirmed their safe arrival at their camp.”
The association warned that inaccurate reports could mislead the public and deepen the anguish of affected families.
“False reports of this nature create unnecessary confusion, give families false hope, and undermine public trust in official communications,” it added, while urging authorities to ensure only verified information is released.
The group also called for intensified efforts to secure the safe and unconditional release of the victims.
Sources within the community identified those killed in the attack as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu and Adamu Jatau.
Among those abducted are Garba Tanko, his wife Lami and their daughter Rachel, as well as a grandchild, Moses Yakubu. Others include Rahab Usman and his daughter Victoria; Sunday Ayuba; and Dantani Alhaji, his wife Mary, and their three daughters, Helen, Rejoice and Ahmadu.
The conflicting accounts have heightened concerns over the fate of the victims and raised fresh questions about information management in ongoing security operations.
