Audio By Carbonatix
Nigeria's army said on Sunday that it had rescued 31 civilians who were taken hostage during an attack on a church in northwest Kaduna state, while five people were found dead at the scene.
The army said the attack had taken place during an Easter church service in Ariko village in the Kachia local government Area. Troops were in pursuit of the attackers, it added.
The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria for Kaduna state, Caleb Maaji, said that two churches were attacked in Ariko village on Sunday. He said that seven people were killed and an unknown number taken hostage.
"Findings are still ongoing," Maaji told Reuters.
Northwest Nigeria has struggled for years with violence, including mass kidnappings for ransom and village raids, with armed groups operating from vast forest hideouts across the region.
Latest Stories
-
NDC promised 24-hour economy but cannot deliver 1-hour economy — John Boadu
47 seconds -
‘I can’t take any game for granted’ – Gideon Mensah says ahead of Bundesliga debut
2 minutes -
A look at the ‘Okada’ architecture under the new road traffic regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519)
7 minutes -
Wontumi’s GH¢30m EXIM Bank case heads to trial as plea bargain talks collapse
14 minutes -
John Boadu is NPP’s ‘only guarantee’ for 2028 victory – Former Effia MP, Joseph Cudjoe
22 minutes -
I will be fair and impartial in my duties – Ayariga assures Mamprugu Traditional Council
23 minutes -
Ghana’s road infrastructure rating declines from D3 to D1 — GhIE
26 minutes -
Assemblies should self-finance, Common Fund is for development – Ayariga
28 minutes -
Ayariga calls for stronger engagement with mining regulators
30 minutes -
Ayariga praises Afenyo-Markin for integrity and forthrightness in Parliament
31 minutes -
I have no problem with National Cathedral, but its implementation was flawed – Ayariga
33 minutes -
GMTF, Sweden Ghana Medical Centre sign MoU to improve access to cancer care
36 minutes -
Minority demands deferment of Supreme Court nominees’ vetting
36 minutes -
Mahama Ayariga outlines role of Local Government Minister in chieftaincy affairs
37 minutes -
I’ll seek increased funding for Chieftaincy Institution if approved – Ayariga
40 minutes