Thirty-one civilians held hostage following a Sunday morning church attack in north-west Nigeria have been rescued, the army has said. Gunmen targeted Easter celebrations at a church in Ariko, Kaduna state, leading to five deaths. Local reports initially suggested a higher death toll.
The army reported a fierce firefight with the attackers, forcing them to retreat while leaving the hostages and victims behind. In a region plagued by frequent attacks and kidnappings for ransom, the Nigerian army is stepping up its efforts to combat such criminal activities.
Despite swift military response, residents claimed the gunmen operated for an extended period without initial resistance. Consequently, the fleeing attackers reportedly sustained significant casualties, evidenced by blood trails. Troops are actively pursuing the insurgents to enhance security and have encouraged community members to provide information to aid in these operations.
In a related development, the military killed 65 bandits in an offensive in Zamfara state following another mass abduction, confirming ongoing efforts to address the violence and instability in the region.
The army reported a fierce firefight with the attackers, forcing them to retreat while leaving the hostages and victims behind. In a region plagued by frequent attacks and kidnappings for ransom, the Nigerian army is stepping up its efforts to combat such criminal activities.
Despite swift military response, residents claimed the gunmen operated for an extended period without initial resistance. Consequently, the fleeing attackers reportedly sustained significant casualties, evidenced by blood trails. Troops are actively pursuing the insurgents to enhance security and have encouraged community members to provide information to aid in these operations.
In a related development, the military killed 65 bandits in an offensive in Zamfara state following another mass abduction, confirming ongoing efforts to address the violence and instability in the region.
