Reported Rescue Of Kaduna Worshippers: Community Denies Army’s Worshipper Rescue Claim

Members of the Arikon community in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have publicly refuted claims by the Nigerian Army that 31 worshippers were rescued following an Easter Sunday attack.

On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, bandits launched a coordinated assault on the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Arikon (also reported as Ariko).

In a statement, the Army said troops who responded to distress call engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages,” the Army said, adding that one of the rescued victims sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.

But in a counter statement, on Monday, Kuturmi Unity Development Association, described Army’s claim as false.

In the statement signed by Dr J D Ariko, President of the association, and Hon. Manasseh Samuel, Publicity Secretary, the association said kidnappers have contacted families and representatives of the victims who are 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 Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.”

“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 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.

“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. False reports of this nature create unnecessary confusion, give families false hope, and undermine public trust in official communications.

“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 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.”

Local sources have identified the five individuals tragically killed during the attack as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu, and Adamu Jatau. These community members represent the human toll of the violence, their names now surfacing as the neighborhood grapples with the immediate aftermath of the assault. The confirmation of their identities marks a somber milestone for the grieving families who are now seeking justice and closure.

The wave of abductions that followed the violence targeted several families, most notably that of Garba Tanko. Reports indicate that Garba was taken alongside his wife, Lami Garba, their daughter, Rachel Garba, and a young grandchild, Moses Yakubu. The seizure of multiple generations from a single household underscores the indiscriminate and devastating nature of the raid, leaving the remaining community members in a state of profound distress.

In addition to the Tanko family, several other residents were forcibly removed from their homes. Among those listed are Rahab Usman and his daughter, Victoria Rahab, as well as Sunday Ayuba and Dantani Alhaji. The abduction also claimed Dantani’s wife, Mrs. Mary Dantani, and their three daughters—Helen, Rejoice, and Ahmadu. This extensive list of captives highlights a coordinated effort to dismantle the community's social fabric, as families await word on the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones.