The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) has dismissed reports claiming that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were successfully rescued by the Nigerian Army.
Bandits invaded Ariko community in the early hours of Easter Sunday, attacked two churches, k!lled several worshippers and abducted others.
The Army in a statement on Sunday evening, disclosed that troops rescued 31 worshippers abducted from ECWA church and recovered bodies of five others k!lled at the scene.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, April 6, the President of the association, Dr. Joseph David Ariko, said that the reports are false and misleading, noting that the abducted individuals remain in the custody of their captors.
According to KUDA, families and representatives of the victims are still in direct contact with the bandits, who have confirmed that the victims are at their camp, contradicting claims of a rescue operation.
While KUDA acknowledged the efforts of security agencies to address insecurity in the country, the association expressed concern that inaccurate reports create confusion, raise false hopes for families, and erode public trust in official information.
The association assured the public that updates would be provided as credible information becomes available.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 31 persons who were abducted by bandits during the Easter service in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement read.
“We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the current situation.
“Contrary to the reports being circulated, all the abducted persons are still in captivity with their abductors.
“The families and representatives of the victims remain in contact with the bandits, who have confirmed the safe arrival of the victims at their camp. This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation.
“While we recognize and appreciate the efforts of security agencies in tackling insecurity across the country, it is deeply troubling that such inaccurate information is being disseminated to the public.
“False reports of this nature create unnecessary confusion, give families false hope, and undermine public trust in official communications.
“We therefore call on the Nigerian Army and all relevant authorities to ensure that only verified and factual information is released to the public, especially on sensitive matters involving human lives.
“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority, and we urge all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time and assure the public that updates will be provided as credible information becomes available.”