A community group in Kaduna State has dismissed claims that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, have been rescued by the Nigerian Army.
The community described the reports as false and misleading.
The rebuttal follows earlier reports suggesting that troops had successfully freed victims kidnapped during a coordinated attack on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday.
Recall that suspected bandits had invaded Ariko in the early hours of Easter, attacking two Christian worship centres, killing several worshippers and abducting scores of others into the bush, an incident that sparked outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.
However, in a statement dated April 6, 2026, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J.D. Ariko, said contrary to the rescue claims, all abducted persons 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 Ariko. We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and misleading,” the statement read.
According to him, 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,” he added.
The community leader expressed concern over the circulation of what he described as inaccurate information, warning that such reports could create confusion, give false hope to grieving families, and erode public trust in official communication.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies to address insecurity, he urged authorities to ensure that only verified information is released, particularly on sensitive matters involving lives.
“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 also expressed solidarity with affected families and assured that updates would be communicated as credible information becomes available.
The Nigerian Army has yet to officially respond to the denial as of the time of filing this report.
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