By Desmond Nleya
Nigerian troops have rescued 31 worshippers who were abducted during Easter services in Kaduna state after armed attackers stormed churches and opened fire, leaving several people dead.
The incident occurred in the village of Ariko, about 100 kilometres north of Abuja, when gunmen disrupted celebrations and took dozens of people hostage. Soldiers responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a gunfight that forced them to flee and abandon many of those they had captured.
Authorities confirmed that at least five people were killed in the attack, although local church leaders say the death toll may be higher. Caleb Bawa Ma’aji, head of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna, reported that seven worshippers lost their lives, describing the violence as devastating for the community.
The assault targeted both Catholic and evangelical congregations and happened despite heightened security measures across the country during the Easter period, including increased protection at places of worship.
Kaduna state has faced a surge in similar attacks in recent months. In January, more than 170 churchgoers were kidnapped during services, with some later released after negotiations. Armed groups, often referred to locally as bandits, have continued to terrorise communities through raids and kidnappings for ransom. While their actions are largely driven by financial motives, there are growing fears of possible links to extremist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria.
The military has not identified the group responsible for the latest attack, referring to the assailants only as terrorists. Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Zamfara state, security forces reportedly killed at least 65 suspected bandits during a military offensive conducted in another area affected by ongoing violence.
