A leading Christian organization in Nigeria has pushed back against the military’s account of a deadly church attack in Kaduna state, saying dozens of people reported rescued by troops remain in captivity, deepening concerns over conflicting information in one of the country’s most volatile regions.
The Nigerian Army said Sunday that its forces freed 31 civilians abducted when armed men stormed a church during an Easter service in Ariko village, located in the Kachia area of Kaduna. The military also said five people were found dead at the scene and that troops were pursuing the attackers.
But church leaders and local residents quickly disputed that version of events.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a prominent religious body, said no such rescue had taken place. Reverend John Joseph Hayab, who heads the group’s northern chapter, told Reuters that while security forces were making efforts to locate the victims, claims of a successful rescue were inaccurate.
“Yes, the military are doing their best to get them back home, but it is not fair for the military to claim that the victims have been rescued,” Hayab said in a phone interview with Reuters.
Hayab warned that conflicting narratives could complicate rescue efforts and embolden armed groups responsible for the attack.
“Now we have misinformation. When we are busy denying, we are just giving the bandits the opportunity to strike and go freely,” he said.
Local community leaders echoed that concern. The Kurtumi Unity Development Association, which represents residents of Ariko, described the army’s statement as “entirely false, misleading and does not reflect the current situation.”
A former village head, Iliya Audu, said the death toll was higher than initially reported and confirmed that burials for the victims had taken place Monday.
“We are just returning from the burial of those killed. No single soul was rescued,” Audu said, also speaking to Reuters.
Efforts to obtain clarification from the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters were unsuccessful, with no response to repeated requests for comment on Monday, Reuters reported.
The attack, which took place during a religious service, has added to growing fears among Christian communities in northern Nigeria, where violence by armed groups has persisted for years. Earlier accounts from local church officials indicated that at least two churches were targeted in the assault.
Caleb Maaji, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna state, had earlier said seven people were killed and that an unknown number of worshippers were taken hostage. He noted that investigations into the incident were still ongoing, according to Reuters.
The conflicting reports highlight the challenges of verifying information in areas where insecurity and limited access complicate official responses. In regions like northwest Nigeria, armed groups frequently carry out kidnappings, raids and attacks on villages, often operating from remote forest areas.
The incident also comes as Nigeria faces international scrutiny over religious violence. President Donald Trump has raised concerns about the treatment of Christians in the country, allegations that Nigerian authorities have repeatedly denied.
This is not the first time the Christian Association of Nigeria has questioned official accounts of such incidents. The group previously challenged government figures following the abduction of students from a Catholic school in Niger state last year, underscoring a pattern of disagreement between civil society groups and security agencies.
The dispute over what happened in Ariko reflects a broader credibility gap between local communities and Nigeria’s security forces, particularly in regions plagued by persistent violence. While the military often provides rapid updates following attacks, those accounts are sometimes contradicted by residents who have direct knowledge of events on the ground.
Such discrepancies can have serious consequences. In conflict zones, accurate information is critical not only for public awareness but also for coordinating rescue efforts and preventing further violence. When official statements are later challenged, it can erode trust in authorities and create confusion that armed groups may exploit.
The attack itself underscores the enduring security crisis in northwest Nigeria, where criminal networks and armed groups have evolved into highly organized operations. These groups frequently target rural communities, religious institutions and schools, often seeking ransom payments or attempting to assert control over territory.
The targeting of a church during a major religious observance adds a sensitive dimension to the incident, potentially heightening tensions in a country already marked by religious and ethnic divisions. While authorities maintain that such attacks are primarily driven by criminal motives, many affected communities view them through a religious lens, increasing the risk of polarization.
The international spotlight, including comments from President Donald Trump, places additional pressure on Nigeria’s government to demonstrate progress in addressing insecurity. However, officials have consistently rejected claims of systematic religious persecution, arguing that violence affects multiple communities regardless of faith.
The Ariko attack, and the conflicting accounts that followed, illustrate the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges. As investigations continue, the focus remains on locating those still believed to be in captivity and preventing further attacks in a region where stability remains fragile.
Reuters/Jpost
