No fewer than 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter church service at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have been rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Nigerian Army said the rescue operation followed a distress call reporting the abduction.
“The swift response followed a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko village. On receipt of the information, troops promptly mobilised to the scene,” the statement read.
The army said troops, with support from community members, pursued the fleeing attackers and engaged them in a firefight.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention. Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene.
“The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes,” the statement added.
The army noted that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the attackers, rescue any remaining captives, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It also disclosed that additional troops had been deployed to the area to reinforce security and prevent further attacks.
“The Nigerian Army reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of citizens and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders. Troops remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations against all threats to national security,” the statement added.
Recall that the Peoples Gazette earlier reported that bandits killed seven persons and abducted several others during the attack on the church in Ariko village.