Stephen J. By Bose, Chief International Correspondent of Worthy News
Abuja(meaningful news) – A Nigerian church group has refuted military claims that soldiers had rescued dozens of Christians kidnapped during a deadly Easter attack, as conflicting reports emerged about the number of victims in northwestern Kaduna state.
Announcement by Reverend John, Regional Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
Joseph Hayab observes Easter
Sunday’s violence reportedly killed at least two dozen Christians in two Nigerian states on Easter Sunday.
The Nigerian army said it has freed 31 people after suspected Islamist gunmen attacked churches in Ariko village in Kachia local government area of Kaduna on Easter Sunday.
However, CAN said it was not aware of any detainees being released and disputed the military’s statement that the victims were in the hands of the attackers.
“Yes, the army is doing its best to bring them back home, but it is not appropriate for the army to claim that the victims have been rescued,” said Hayab of CAN.
“Now we have misinformation. While we are busy denying, we are just giving bandits a chance to attack and go free,” he said.
Conflicting news is emerging
Local accounts also challenged the army’s casualty figures.
The army said five people were killed, but Ilia Audu, a local resident and former chief of Ariko village, said at least seven Christians were killed in the attack.
“We are just returning from burying those killed. Not a single person could be saved,” Audu insisted. He told that the last rites were performed on Monday.
Other Christian sources said the death toll could be as high as 12, although this could not be independently confirmed.
Residents said the attackers targeted worshipers at the Evangelical Church Winning All Sight and St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, killing several, abducting dozens and damaging both church buildings.
Violence spreads to Benue
The Easter violence was not limited to Kaduna.
In central Benue state, suspected Fulani herdsmen, allegedly in company with other militants, killed at least 17 Christians in an early morning raid on Jande village in the Gwer East region, local residents said.
Witnesses said the gunmen fired on villagers, abducted others and destroyed homes, devastating the community.
Benue Governor Hyacinth Aliya described the killings as “heinous” and unacceptable.
Nigeria tops global Christian killings
The attacks come amid ongoing concerns over violence against Christians in Nigeria.
According to the Open Doors 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries for Christians.
Of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith worldwide between October 2024 and September 2025, 3,490 – about 72 percent – were in Nigeria, the highest number globally.
Advocacy group Open Doors said Nigeria ranked seventh on a list of countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
roots of violence
Analysts say the violence is driven by a complex mix of factors including religious extremism, land disputes and economic pressures.
While the predominantly Muslim Fulani are a diverse group, some factions have been linked to attacks on Christian communities.
A report by the all-party parliamentary group for International Freedom of Religion, or Belief, said some armed Fulani groups adopt tactics similar to Islamist organizations such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
These groups have been accused of targeting Christian communities along with broader insurgent movements operating in the north of Nigeria.
Trump increased pressure
The violence has attracted international attention, including Donald J. Including Trump, who has repeatedly warned about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Trump had previously designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and described the killings of Christians as “genocide.”
On Christmas Day 2025, he ordered US airstrikes against Islamic State-linked targets in Sokoto State in northwestern Nigeria, warning that the militants would face “hell to pay” if attacks on Christians continued.
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