Residents of Ariko village in Kachia local council of Kaduna have dismissed claims by the Nigerian Army that 31 abducted worshippers were rescued on Sunday.

The Peoples Gazette reported the abduction of 31 worshippers and their release during an Easter service after bandits attacked the community.

However, Joseph David Ariko, president of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, told The Gazette that none of the victims had been rescued.

“We received a call from the bandits informing us that they had arrived safely at their den. Later, we saw a press statement from Army headquarters claiming that 31 persons had been rescued,” Mr Ariko said in a telephone interview.

He stated that the number of people kidnapped might be higher than initially reported, noting that 35 females were confirmed abducted, while six males remain missing.

“No single person has been rescued. If they were rescued, where is the video? Where are the victims? I can assure you that no one has been brought back to the community,” he said.

Mr Ariko also clarified that the bandits have not made any ransom demands, but have only informed the community that they have reached their hideout.

Mr Ariko recalled that in November 2024, bandits abducted 12 persons from the same community. The victims were later released after a ransom of ₦27 million and four motorcycles was paid.

“Twelve people were abducted, and we spent ₦27 million,” he said, adding that only eight victims were released initially. “It was mainly women who returned.”

He lamented that his community and neighbouring villages have continued to suffer repeated bandit attacks without adequate intervention from authorities.

Meanwhile, the police spokesman in Kaduna, Mansir Hassan, did not immediately respond to The Gazette’s request for comment.

“I’m on transit, please send me a message,” said Mr Hassan.