Troops rescue 31 abducted Kaduna church worshippers, receive five victims’ bodies
•17 killed in Benue community attack Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued the 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of
•17 killed in Benue community attack
- From Musa Bologi, Abuja, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna, Uja Emmanuel, Benue and Idris Abdulsalam
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued the 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Apollonia Anele, broke the news in a statement yesterday.
Yesterday, too, in Benue State, at least 17 persons lost their lives in an assault on the Mbalom community, in Gwer East Local Government Area.
The Nation learnt this was the third deadly attack on Mbalom Community.
Mbalom was attacked four years ago and a priest of the Catholic Church was killed alongside 13 worshippers.
The attack, which has left the community in mourning, is the most recent in a string of incidents that have plagued rural areas of Benue, where residents have fallen victim to suspected armed groups.
The attackers in Kaduna, who struck in the early hours, targeted First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, unleashing terror on congregants gathered for worship.
The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mr. Mark Bawa, confirmed the incident, saying casualty figures were still being verified.
Bawa, who spoke on telephone, said conflicting reports put the death toll between seven and eight.
Advertisement
300x250
“I am on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. I will provide an update once details are confirmed.
“The attackers came in large numbers, surrounded the area and opened fire on worshippers. Several people were killed and many others taken away,” he added.
Anele said the troops reacted swiftly after a distress call reporting the abduction of the worshippers to the military.
She said: “The troops, on receiving the information, promptly mobilised to the scene. With the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, they advanced in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is receiving medical attention.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene. The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.”
According to Anele, troops have since intensified pursuit operations to track the fleeing elements to their enclaves, with ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing any remaining captives and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Sani laments attack
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has decried the increasing civilian casualties in conflicts, warning that the distinction between terrorist violence and conventional warfare is becoming blurred.
In a statement, Sani described terrorists as forces known for targeting civilians, including women and children, and attacking critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, historic sites, and residential areas.
The former lawmaker emphasised that safeguarding civilians must remain a priority, regardless of the nature of the conflict or the actors involved.
“They should avoid isolated worship centres and promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to security agencies.’’
Advertisement
300x250
17 killed in Benue
Eyewitnesses said the attackers in Benue descended on the community, firing at residents and setting homes ablaze.
By yesterday evening, about 17 bodies had been recovered, with numerous others still unaccounted for as search operations persisted.
Similar incidents have been documented in neighbouring Benue communities in recent times, highlighting the persistent insecurity in the region.
Several residences and valuable properties were also destroyed during the assault, forcing numerous survivors to flee and leaving scores of families displaced.
A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, described the incident as devastating, stating, “This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares.
Many are still missing.” The full extent of casualties and destruction remains to be officially confirmed, as community members continue to search surrounding areas and burnt homes for missing relatives.
Read Also: How Nigeria can overcome insecurity, by ex-IGP Smith
Advertisement
300x250
The latest violence is anticipated to escalate concerns on the deteriorating security situation in Benue, particularly in agrarian communities that remain vulnerable to recurring attacks.
At press time, the Police Public Relations Officer, Edem Edet, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), was yet to respond to text messages sent into his phone.
Governor condemns killing of 17 in Benue community attack
Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
The governor described the barbaric act as unacceptable, and an affront to the peace and security of the state.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,Sir KulaTersoo, the governor expressed sympathy to families affected by the attack and assured them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.
Alia noted with concern the pattern of what appeared to be calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of terror, though increasingly hydra-headed in nature, will not be allowed to thrive.
He reiterated his resolve to confront and subdue criminality threatening the safety of communities.
