In Ariko, Kaduna State, gunmen raided a church on Sunday morning. They abducted several civilians during Easter celebrations. The Nigerian army said it rescued 31 hostages and killed five attackers. It claimed that soldiers engaged the gunmen in a “fierce firefight,” forcing them to flee and leave behind hostages and the bodies of dead civilians. Blood trails, the army added, showed casualties among the fleeing attackers. Troops were deployed to hunt the militants and strengthen security in the area.
However, local residents strongly disputed the army’s claims. Joseph Ariko, president of the Ariko community association, said the abducted civilians were still with the gunmen. He urged the army to identify the individuals they allegedly liberated. A local church official also reported that seven people had died, two more than the army’s count.
Rev John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria questioned the rescue report after speaking with residents. “Nobody has been rescued. If they are rescued, where did they take them to?” he asked. Local media also reported that the attackers moved freely for a long time before the army responded.
Attacks like these are common in northern Nigeria. Jihadist groups and armed gangs, often called bandits, frequently carry out kidnappings for ransom and violent raids. The army encouraged residents to provide any information that could help fight these groups and improve security.
In a separate incident, Nigerian forces killed 65 bandits in Zamfara State after a large group of armed men had abducted villagers. Police confirmed the mass abduction and launched a manhunt to rescue the captives.
International attention has also focused on the attacks against Christians in Nigeria. Last year, the administration of US President Donald Trump expressed concern about the safety of Christians and called on Nigeria to improve protection for these communities. Trump had previously described the situation as a “Christian genocide,”, which the Nigerian government strongly denied. The government insisted that Muslims, Christians, and those without faith have all been victims of attacks.
In February, the US sent troops to Nigeria to train its forces and provide intelligence support. The goal is to help Nigeria fight Islamist militants and other armed groups more effectively.
