The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of 31 civilians who were taken captive during an attack on a church in northwest Kaduna State, while also confirming that five people were found dead at the scene.
Sources from the Nigerian Army say the attack occurred during an Easter celebration at a church in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area. Troops have since been deployed to track down the attackers.
Caleb Maaji, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, reported that two churches in Ariko village were attacked on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of seven people, while an unspecified number of others were abducted.
For several years, northwest Nigeria has been plagued by violence, including widespread kidnappings for ransom and repeated attacks on villages, carried out by armed groups hiding in vast forest areas across the region.
Based on reporting by Hamza Ibrahim for Reuters. Additional analysis by The Credibility News.
