A community group in Kaduna State has dismissed as “false and misleading” the Nigerian Army’s claim that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, have been rescued.
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. Suspected bandits had invaded Ariko in the early hours of Easter, attacking two Christian worship centres, killing several worshippers and abducting scores of others.
In a statement dated April 6, 2026, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J.D. Ariko, said 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 Nigerian Army has yet to officially respond to the denial as of the time of this report.
