Kaduna Community Faults Army Report, Says Abducted Victims Still in Captivity

Kaduna Community Faults Army Report, Says Abducted Victims Still in Captivity

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

A community group in Kaduna State has disputed claims by the Nigerian Army that 31 abducted worshippers were rescued following an Easter attack in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area, insisting that all victims remain in captivity.

The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Joseph David Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel.

The group’s reaction followed earlier reports attributed to military sources which stated that troops foiled a terrorist attack on an ECWA Church in Ariko during Easter service and rescued 31 kidnapped victims after a gun battle with the attackers.

The report also indicated that five persons were killed before troops arrived, while operations were ongoing to track fleeing assailants.

However, KUDA described the reported rescue as inaccurate, saying the information did not reflect the reality on ground.

“We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the current situation,” the association said. “Contrary to the reports being circulated, all the abducted persons are still in captivity with their abductors.”

According to the group, families of the victims have maintained contact with the kidnappers, who confirmed that the abducted individuals had been moved to their camp.

“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 statement added.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies to address insecurity, the association expressed concern over what it described as the dissemination of unverified information, warning that such reports could mislead the public and worsen the distress of affected families.

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

The group urged the Nigerian Army and relevant authorities to ensure that only accurate and verified updates are released, particularly on matters involving lives and security operations.

It also called for intensified and coordinated efforts to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the victims, stressing that their safe return remains the priority.

“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority, and we urge all stakeholders to intensify genuine efforts toward securing their release,” the statement read.

KUDA further expressed solidarity with the affected families and assured the public that updates would be provided as credible information becomes available.