Kaduna Community Faults Military On Release Of Abducted Church Members

By Ayodele Oni

The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), a community group in Kaduna State, has disputed claims by the Nigerian Army that 31 abducted worshippers in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area, abducted during Easter worship, have been rescued.

KUDA made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Joseph David Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel, insisting that all victims remain in captivity.

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.

 “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,” 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.

It 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.