Kaduna community denies rescue claims of abducted Easter worshippers

A community group in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has dismissed reports that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service were rescued by the Nigerian Army.

In a statement dated April 6, 2026, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), J.D. Ariko, described the reports as false and misleading.

“Our attention has been drawn to claims 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,” the statement read.

The abducted worshippers remain in captivity, the community leader said, with families still in contact with the kidnappers, who reportedly confirmed the victims are alive and held at their camp. “This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation,” he added.

Suspected bandits had attacked two churches in Ariko on Easter Sunday, killing several worshippers and abducting scores, an incident that reignited concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

J.D. Ariko expressed concern over the circulation of inaccurate information, warning that such reports could create confusion, give false hope to grieving families, and erode public trust. He urged authorities to release verified information only, especially on sensitive matters involving human 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 assured affected families of solidarity and promised to provide updates as credible information becomes available. The Nigerian Army has yet to respond to the denial as of the time of filing this report.