Kaduna residents refute claims that 31 kidnapped churchgoers were freed

A community group in Kaduna State has disputed reports that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, were rescued by the Nigerian Army, labeling these claims as false and misleading.

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The group's denial comes on the heels of earlier reports suggesting that the Nigerian Army had successfully freed the victims kidnapped during coordinated attacks on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday.

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Suspected bandits had attacked Christian worship centres in Ariko in the early hours of Easter, killing several people and abducting many into the bush, which heightened concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

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In a statement dated April 6, 2026, J.D. Ariko, President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, insisted that none of the abducted victims has been rescued, contradicting earlier reports.

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The statement clearly stated that reports alleging the Nigerian Army's successful rescue of 31 abducted persons during the Easter service in Ariko are entirely false and misleading.

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Families of the victims are still in communication with the abductors, who have confirmed that the victims remain alive in captivity, which according to J.D. Ariko, clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation.

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The community leader expressed concern over the spread of inaccurate information, warning that such reports could create confusion and raise false hope among grieving families, ultimately undermining public trust in official communication.

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While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies, J.D. Ariko urged authorities to ensure that only verified information is released, especially on sensitive matters involving human lives.

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The association's utmost priority remains the safe return of the abducted persons, and they called on all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release.

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The Kuturmi Unity Development Association reaffirmed its solidarity with affected families and assured that updates would be provided as credible information emerges.