By Obinna Uballa
Residents of Arikon community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have rejected the Nigerian Army’s claim that 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter church attack were rescued, insisting that all the victims remain in the custody of their kidnappers.
The Nigerian Army had earlier announced that troops responding to a distress call confronted bandits who attacked a branch of The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) during an Easter service. According to the military, the attackers fled after a fierce gun battle, abandoning “dozens of abducted worshippers.”
In its statement, the Army said the advancing troops forced the terrorists to release 31 hostages, noting that one of the victims sustained injuries during the incident and was receiving medical treatment.
However, the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, representing the affected community, has strongly refuted the claim, describing it as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Dr. J.D. Ariko, President of the association, and Hon. Manasseh Samuel, its Publicity Secretary, the group said families of the victims remain in contact with the kidnappers, who have confirmed that the abducted worshippers are still in captivity.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 31 persons who were abducted by bandits during the Easter service in Arikon, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement said.
“We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the current situation. Contrary to the reports being circulated, all the abducted persons are still in captivity with their abductors.”
The association said communication between families and the bandits confirmed that the victims had been taken to the kidnappers’ camp, contradicting claims of any rescue operation.
“The families and representatives of the victims remain in contact with the bandits, who have confirmed the safe arrival of the victims at their camp. This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation,” the group added.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in combating insecurity, the community leaders expressed concern over what they described as the release of inaccurate information regarding the incident.
“While we recognize and appreciate the efforts of security agencies in tackling insecurity across the country, it is deeply troubling that such inaccurate information is being disseminated to the public,” the statement said.
The group warned that false reports could create confusion, give families false hope, and undermine public confidence in official communication.
“We therefore call on the Nigerian Army and all relevant authorities to ensure that only verified and factual information is released to the public, especially on sensitive matters involving human lives,” the association said.
It urged authorities and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority, and we urge all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release,” the statement added.
The attack on the ECWA church during Easter service had sparked widespread concern amid ongoing insecurity in parts of Kaduna State.
The New Diplomat had reported that community sources identified those killed during the attack as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu, and Adamu Jatau.
Those abducted include Garba Tanko, his wife Lami Garba, their daughter Rachel Garba, and a grandchild Moses Yakubu.
Others listed among the kidnapped victims are Rahab Usman and his daughter Victoria Rahab; Sunday Ayuba; Dantani Alhaji and his wife Mary Dantani, as well as their three daughters Helen, Rejoice, and Ahmadu.
