A community group in Kaduna State has dismissed reports that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, were rescued by the Nigerian Army.
The group described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the victims remain in captivity.
The reaction followed earlier reports suggesting that troops had successfully freed worshippers kidnapped during a coordinated attack on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday.
Suspected bandits had reportedly stormed Ariko community in the early hours of Easter, attacking two Christian worship centres, killing several worshippers and abducting many others into the bush.
The incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.
However, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J.D. Ariko, in a statement dated April 6, 2026, rejected claims that the victims had been rescued.
“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 the community leader, families of the victims are still in communication with the kidnappers, who have confirmed that the abducted worshippers are alive.
He said, “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.”
The association expressed concern over what it described as the circulation of inaccurate reports about the incident.
It warned that such claims could cause confusion, raise false hopes among grieving families, and weaken public trust in official information.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle insecurity in the region, the group urged authorities to ensure that only verified information is made public.
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The community also called for intensified efforts to secure the release of those still held in captivity.
“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 further expressed solidarity with the affected families and assured residents that updates would be communicated once credible information becomes available.