Residents of the Arikon community in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have refuted claims that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service were rescued.
Bandits had attacked a branch of The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in the area, killing five people and taking several worshippers hostage. The incident drew widespread attention amid growing insecurity in the country.
The Nigerian Army had announced that its troops engaged the attackers and forced them to release “dozens of abducted worshippers.” According to the Army, 31 hostages were freed, with one reportedly injured and receiving medical care.
However, the Kuturmi Unity Development Association challenged this account in a statement on Monday. Signed by Dr. J. D. Ariko, President, and Hon. Manasseh Samuel, Publicity Secretary, the association said all abducted individuals remain in captivity, with families still in direct contact with the kidnappers.
The statement reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to reports claiming that 31 persons abducted during the Easter service in Arikon have been rescued. This claim is entirely false and misleading. All victims remain with their abductors, and families continue to communicate with the kidnappers, who confirmed the safe arrival of the victims at their camp. This invalidates any suggestion of a successful rescue.”
The association urged the Army and relevant authorities to release only verified information, noting that false reports cause confusion, give families false hope, and weaken public trust.
“The safe return of the abducted persons is our top priority. We call on all stakeholders to step up genuine and coordinated efforts to ensure their immediate release,” the statement added.
Sources from the community identified the five deceased as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu, and Adamu Jatau.
Those abducted include Garba Tanko with his wife Lami Garba, their daughter Rachel Garba, and grandchild Moses Yakubu; Rahab Usman and his daughter Victoria Rahab; Sunday Ayuba; Dantani Alhaji with his wife Mary Dantani and their three daughters, Helen, Rejoice, and Ahmadu.
