The Nigerian army has rescued 31 civilians who were held hostage following a deadly attack on a church during Easter celebrations in north-west Nigeria.
Gunmen stormed a church in Ariko, Kaduna state, on Sunday morning, killing at least five people and abducting dozens of worshippers. A local church official earlier suggested the death toll could be higher.
According to the military, troops quickly responded to the attack and engaged the assailants in what they described as a “fierce firefight”. The gunmen were forced to retreat, leaving behind the hostages and the bodies of victims.
Security forces said the attackers suffered significant casualties during the exchange, with evidence such as blood trails along their escape routes indicating injuries among the fleeing group. Troops have since been deployed across the area to track down the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where armed groups and bandits frequently carry out kidnappings and violent raids. These groups often target rural communities, schools, and places of worship, demanding ransom payments for abducted victims.
While the army insists it responded swiftly, local reports suggest that residents believe the attackers operated for an extended period before security forces intervened. This has raised fresh concerns about response times and protection for vulnerable communities.
In a separate operation, Nigerian forces reportedly killed 65 bandits during a military offensive in Zamfara state. This comes just days after a mass abduction incident in the same region, underscoring the scale of insecurity affecting parts of the country.
The Nigerian military has called on citizens to support ongoing operations by providing useful information that could help locate and dismantle armed groups responsible for such attacks.
The issue of insecurity in Nigeria has also drawn international attention. The administration of Donald Trump previously raised concerns about violence affecting religious communities in the country, urging stronger protection measures.
However, Nigerian authorities have rejected claims of targeted religious persecution, stating that victims of violence include people from different faiths and backgrounds.
Despite ongoing military efforts, attacks and kidnappings remain a major concern, with many communities continuing to live in fear of further violence.
