Seven people abducted during the Easter Sunday attack on churches in Kaduna State have been rescued by security forces and are currently receiving treatment in hospital, the Nigeria Police has confirmed.
The victims were among those kidnapped when armed bandits attacked worshippers in Ariko community, a village near Gurara Dam in Kaduna State, in an incident that left several people dead and many others missing.
In a statement released on Monday, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Anthony Placid, said the rescue followed a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
The attack took place on April 5, 2026, during Easter celebrations, one of the most important periods in the Christian calendar. According to the police, gunmen stormed two churches—an ECWA church and a Catholic church—while services were ongoing.
Witnesses reported that the attackers fired indiscriminately, causing panic among worshippers. At least five people were killed during the нападение, while about fourteen others were taken away by the attackers.
Such attacks have become a growing concern in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups, often referred to as bandits, target communities for kidnapping and ransom.
Kaduna State, in particular, has experienced repeated cases of violence in recent years, affecting rural communities, travellers, and even places of worship.
Following the attack, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered an immediate response to the situation.
He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to move to Kaduna State to oversee rescue efforts and coordinate security operations on the ground.
According to the police, the aim was to restore calm in the affected community and ensure that those abducted were safely returned.
The deployment of a senior police officer highlights the seriousness of the attack and the need for a strong response from security agencies.
The police said the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Through this joint effort, seven of the kidnapped victims were freed from their captors.
“They were taken to Katari Hospital for medical care and are in stable condition,” the police spokesperson said.
The rescued victims are currently receiving treatment and are expected to be reunited with their families soon.
While the details of how the rescue was carried out were not fully disclosed, security operations of this nature often involve intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated action by different agencies.
Despite the successful rescue of seven victims, several others are still believed to be in captivity. The police confirmed that operations are ongoing to secure their release.
The Inspector-General of Police assured the public that efforts are being intensified to track down the attackers and bring them to justice.
He also called on members of the public to support security agencies by providing useful information that could help in the rescue efforts.
“He urges the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies,” the statement said.
Kaduna State has been one of the areas most affected by insecurity in northern Nigeria. Over the years, communities have faced attacks by bandits, who often carry out kidnappings for ransom.
These attacks have targeted villages, highways, schools, and religious centres, creating fear among residents and disrupting daily life.
The Easter attack on churches has raised fresh concerns about the safety of places of worship, especially during major religious celebrations when attendance is usually high.
Religious leaders and community groups have repeatedly called for improved security, particularly in rural areas where security presence is often limited.
The Nigerian government has continued to deploy security forces to troubled areas and has launched several operations aimed at tackling banditry and other forms of crime.
However, the challenge remains complex due to factors such as difficult terrain, limited resources, and the ability of armed groups to move across different regions.
Joint operations like the one that led to the rescue of the seven victims are seen as an important step in improving coordination among security agencies.
For the people of Ariko community, the attack has left deep emotional and physical scars. Families of those killed are mourning their loved ones, while those whose relatives were abducted continue to hope for their safe return.
The rescue of seven victims has brought some relief, but the community remains anxious about those still in captivity.
Incidents like this often affect not just the immediate victims, but entire communities, as fear and uncertainty take hold.
Security agencies have once again urged Nigerians to remain alert and report suspicious activities in their communities.
They say timely information from the public can make a significant difference in preventing attacks and rescuing victims.
As efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining abducted persons, many Nigerians are watching closely, hoping for more positive outcomes.
The rescue of seven victims is a welcome development, but it also highlights the ongoing security challenges facing the country.
As authorities work to bring the attackers to justice, the need for stronger security measures and long-term solutions remains clear.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safe return of the remaining victims and preventing further attacks in vulnerable communities across Kaduna State and beyond.