Members of the community where kidnappers abducted worshippers during Easter Service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Arikon community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have denied the claim by the Nigerian Army that 31 victims of the abduction were rescued.
The Nigerian Army had given details on how its troops, “through a swift response,” successfully foiled a terrorist attack leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during the Easter church service, adding that “the pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene. The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.”
But in a counter statement on Monday, the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, in the statement by Dr J D Ariko, President of the association, and Hon. Manasseh Samuel, Publicity Secretary, described Army’s claim as false, stating that the said kidnappers have contacted families and representatives of the victims who are in captivity.
According to the statement by the community: “Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 31 persons who were abducted by bandits during the Easter service in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“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.
“While we recognize and appreciate the efforts of security agencies in tackling insecurity across the country. it is deeply troubling that such inaccurate information is being disseminated to the public. False reports of this nature create unnecessary confusion, give families false hope, and undermine public trust in official communications.
“We therefore call on the Nigerian Army and all relevant authorities to ensure that only verified and factual information is released to the public, especially on sensitive matters involving human lives.
“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority, and we urge all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release.”
Sources from the community had identified those killed during the as Tanko Haruna, Waziri Agunu, Aminu Soba, Joseph Audu and Adamu Jatau.
Those who were abducted were listed as Garba Tanko, alongside with his wife Lami Garba, and one of their daughters, Rachel Garba as well as a grand child, Moses Yakubu.
Others are Rahab Usman, and his daughter, Victoria Rahab. Sunday Ayuba, Dantani Alhaji alongside his wife, Mrs Mary Dantani, including their three daughters all identified as Helen, Rejoice and Ahmadu, were among those kidnapped.
