Six people were killed and several others abducted when armed bandits attacked two churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Easter Sunday services.
The assailants targeted the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in the early hours, shooting worshippers, taking hostages and stealing offerings collected that day, local residents said.
The victims were identified as Aminu Soba, Waziri Agunu, Tankoa Haruna, Adamu Jatau, Joseph Gungume and Rabo Atete.
Following a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army mobilised swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, rescuing 31 abducted villagers.
“Troops acted on a distress call reporting that armed attackers had invaded a church and taken worshippers hostage. Soldiers were immediately mobilised to the area and, with support from local residents, tracked the assailants as they attempted to flee,” the army said in a statement.
The troops overpowered the bandits, forcing them to abandon the hostages. One rescued victim sustained injuries and is receiving medical attention.
Operations are continuing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and rescue any remaining captives, while additional personnel have been deployed to secure the area.
