Thirty-One Rescued as Troops Foil Easter Church Attack in Kaduna

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Thirty-one people have been rescued after troops foiled an attack on a church in Kaduna State, where gunmen had abducted worshippers during an Easter service.

According to a statement released to the press by the Nigerian Army, soldiers responded swiftly to a distress call from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area and mobilised to the scene. With support from local residents, the troops pursued the attackers and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the captives, including one injured victim now receiving treatment.

The army said five people were killed in the attack, with their bodies recovered at the scene, while the fleeing gunmen were believed to have sustained casualties, as indicated by blood trails along their escape routes.

Troops have since intensified efforts to track down the attackers and rescue any remaining victims, while additional personnel have been deployed toreinforce security in the area.

The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to protecting civilians and urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.