- Troops recover bodies, rescue hostages after Easter Sunday terrorist attack
Despite ongoing debates regarding the nature of targeted violence in the region, a brutal Easter Sunday attack in Kaduna State has left five dead and dozens more traumatised.
Terrorists stormed the ECWA Church in Ariko Village, Kachia LGA, earlier today, killing five worshippers and abducting a a number of congregants.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident, stating that troops mobilised immediately after receiving distress calls from local residents.
According to a statement issued late Sunday:
“The troops promptly mobilised to the scene. With the support and guidance of the Ariko community, they pursued the fleeing terrorists and engaged them in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower.”
The army’s ntervention forced the attackers to flee, leading to the following outcomes:
31 hostages rescued: including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention.
5 Bodies Recovered: The remains of the victims killed during the initial assault were retrieved before the terrorists fled into the forest.
Enemy casualties: The Army noted significant blood trails along escape routes, suggesting the terrorists sustained heavy losses during the shootout.
The councillor representing Awon ward, Mark Bawa confirmed the harrowing details to TheCable. He disclosed that the terrorists arrived in large numbers and operated for approximately one hour before retreating into the bush with their captives.
