Christian organization in Nigeria is challenging the military’s assertion about the rescue during the assault on a church in Kaduna

A Nigerian Christian group on Monday challenged the army’s claim that it had rescued 31 individuals abducted by armed men in northern Kaduna State, asserting that the victims are still in captivity.

On Sunday, the Nigerian Army announced that troops had rescued civilians following an attack by gunmen at a church in Ariko village, located in Kaduna’s Kachia district. Tragically, the scene revealed the discovery of five deceased individuals.

The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the northern region, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, refuted claims that any rescue had occurred.

“Yes, the military is doing their utmost to bring them back home, but it is unjust for the military to assert that the victims have been rescued,” Hayab told Reuters by phone. “Now we are facing misinformation.”

He added, “When we deny, we merely give the bandits the opportunity to strike and flee without consequence.”

The Kurtumi Unity Development Association, a local resident group in Ariko, rejected the army’s claim, stating it was “completely false, misleading, and does not accurately represent the current situation.”

Local resident and former Ariko village head Iliya Audu reported that the final death toll stands at seven, not five, and mentioned that the burials took place on Monday. “We are just returning from the burial of those killed.” “Not a single soul was rescued,” Audu stated.

On Monday, there was no response from the Nigerian Army and Defense Headquarters despite multiple requests for comment.

CAN has previously questioned official accounts of kidnappings, including last November when it contested security forces’ figures following the abduction of students from a Catholic school in Niger State.

Nigeria is facing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who claims that Christians are experiencing persecution, a statement that the government refutes.