Nigerian Troops Rescue Easter Worshippers After Deadly Church Attack

Nigerian troops rescued 31 worshippers abducted during Easter services in northwestern Kaduna state. The military engaged gunmen in a firefight, forcing the "terrorists to abandon 31 hostages" in Ariko village. The attack occurred despite the police chief ordering a "massive security deployment" during Easter.

At least five people were killed in the attack on a Catholic and an evangelical church. The military confirmed finding five victims dead at the scene. However, ​Caleb Maaji, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria for Kaduna state, said seven people were killed.

Northwest Nigeria has struggled with violence for years. Criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, carry out mass kidnappings for ransom and village raids. In January, gunmen attacked churches during mass in Kaduna and rounded up more than 170 worshippers.

The attack in Ariko village took place around 62 miles north of the capital, Abuja. The security situation has drawn the attention of US President Donald Trump, who has characterized the violence in Nigeria as a "genocide" of Christians. Nigeria, home to over 250 ethnic groups, is roughly divided between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south, with significant mixing in central regions.

Kidnappings for ransom have become common in central and northern Nigeria. Despite the army beefing up security in the region, violence has continued to rise. The military said that troops successfully foiled a terrorist attack during an Easter church service.