Africa05 April, 20261 min read
Nigerian Army Rescues 31 Hostages After Easter Church Attack
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Army rescued 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service in Kaduna. At least five people were killed in the attack.
Hostage Rescue and Casualties
The Nigerian army rescued 31 civilians taken hostage during an Easter church attack in Kaduna state. At least five people were killed, though local officials reported the toll could be as high as seven.
The attack occurred despite a police directive for massive security deployment at places of worship during Easter. Kaduna has been terrorized by armed gangs known locally as bandits.
Contrasting Death Toll Reports
A discrepancy emerged between the army's death toll of five and seven reported by the Christian Association of Nigeria. Reuters reported the chairman said two churches were attacked while the military stated a single church was targeted. France 24 described the incident as an assault on a Catholic and an evangelical church.
Ongoing Insecurity and International Attention
The attack came weeks after Trump characterized the violence as a genocide of Christians. The Nigerian military is under growing international scrutiny. Military operations remain ongoing as troops hunt the fleeing attackers.