Nigerian troops rescued 31 worshippers abducted from an Easter service in Kaduna State following a violent confrontation that left five other hostages dead.
The Nigerian Army successfully foiled a terrorist attack in Kaduna State on Sunday, rescuing 31 individuals who were abducted during an Easter church service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village. Following a distress call, troops mobilized to the scene and engaged the fleeing terrorists in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower and forcing the captors to abandon their hostages.
While 31 people were saved, including one injured victim, the military confirmed the recovery of the remains of five victims who had already been killed by the group. The Army noted that the “fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes,” and stated that additional troops have been deployed to the Kachia Local Government Area to track the remaining elements and prevent further threats to the community.