Nigerian Army Rescues 31 Hostages Following Church Attack

In a dramatic turn of events, the military announced the successful rescue of 31 worshippers who had been taken hostage during a violent assault on a church in northwestern Kaduna state.

The attack unfolded in Ariko village, where both a Catholic and an evangelical church were targeted during Easter services. Tragically, seven individuals lost their lives, with the military reporting that five bodies were discovered at the scene. This horrific incident occurred despite a directive from the police chief for a “massive security deployment” around places of worship throughout the Easter period.

For years, communities in northwestern and central Nigeria, including Kaduna, have faced relentless terror from armed gangs, locally known as bandits, who engage in widespread kidnappings for ransom and conduct raids on villages. The escalating violence has even caught the attention of global leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has condemned the situation, labeling it a “genocide” against Christians.