31 churchgoers who had been kidnapped during an Easter service were freed when the Nigerian Army stopped a terrorist attack on Ariko hamlet in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
According to reports, the attackers invaded the neighborhood and targeted three churches in a well-planned assault that caused numerous casualties and interfered with religious activity.
It was reported that five persons were murdered in the incident.
In a statement issued on its verified X feed, the Nigerian Army Headquarters confirmed the development and said that troops reacted quickly to a distress call from the region.
According to the statement, “a distress call reporting the kidnapping of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village prompted the troops’ quick response.”
“The troops quickly mobilized to the scene after receiving the information.” They pursued the escaping terrorists and engaged the culprits in a violent battle, overpowering them with superior weaponry, with the help and direction of Ariko community members, according to the statement.
It further stated that the attackers were forced to flee while abandoning their victims due to persistent pressure from the military.
“The terrorists were forced to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention, due to the pressure exerted by the advancing troops.”
However, the statement expressed regret that five persons lost their lives in the incident despite the successful rescue effort.
Unfortunately, five victims who had already been killed by the terrorists had their corpses found at the scene.
According to the statement, “blood trails along the terrorists’ escape routes indicate that they are thought to have suffered significant casualties.”
“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,” the Army added.
“More troops have been sent to the area to strengthen ongoing operations, improve security presence, and prevent further threats to lives and property in order to consolidate the gains recorded.”
The Army reiterated its dedication to national security.
“Troops are unwavering in their commitment to maintaining offensive operations against all national security threats.”
Additionally, it emphasized that collective vigilance is still essential to establishing long-lasting peace and stability and asked the people to assist security forces with timely and reliable information.
In the meantime, the Taraba State Police Command has detained a few suspects in relation to the murders of three police officers and the Tor Damisa vigilante commander in the state’s Donga Local Government Area.
Following the arrest of the suspects—Suleman Abdullahi, 30, and Idris Kauri, 33—who are reportedly from Akente village in the same Donga LGA, a number of meetings with pertinent parties and intelligence gathering took place.
Following the suspects’ parading at the state Police Command, Morkwap S. Dongshal, the state Commissioner of Police who assumed control of the Command soon after the tragic incident, informed reporters that the three service weapons belonging to the deceased police officers had also been found.
The CP also disclosed that the Command is pursuing other suspects who are still at large, promising to make sure they are caught wherever they may be hiding in Nigeria.
The police said that the suspects provided valuable information that would help the Command locate further suspects.
During a stop-and-search operation, the Command also apprehended two suspects who were in possession of 304 rounds of live ammunition.
The accused, Job Davi, a resident of Toungo LGA in Adamawa State, and Torme Terzugwe, 39, of Kwande LGA in Benue State, were arrested in Yonko village in Zing LGA.
While traveling to Ganye LGA in Adamawa State on an unregistered motorcycle, they were apprehended. The matter is still being investigated.Since
The CP has taken several aggressive measures to stop the resurgence of violent attacks in some areas of the state, especially in the southern region, since Sinhe took office just a week ago.
In particular, he visited Kofai Ahmadu and Chanchanji in Takum LG, A, which has recently had a number of violent incidents. There, he engaged with important security players, such as traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth leaders.
The CP relocated from Takum, Dongshal, to Tor Damisa in Donga LGA, where a few days prior, the local police officers and vigilante leader were ambushed and killed.
Some of the perpetrators in the horrible act were apprehended after the Cheld ada met with Tse Kwe Tor Damisa, the traditional ruler of the region, at Tor Damisa.
