31 Easter worshippers freed after deadly abduction in Kaduna

Nigerian troops have rescued 31 people abducted during Easter Sunday services in Kaduna state following a violent assault by armed attackers. The incident occurred in Ariko, a community roughly 100 kilometers from Abuja, where gunmen stormed churches mid-service, killing at least five. Local church officials reported a higher death toll of seven. The military engaged the assailants in a firefight, forcing them to abandon dozens of hostages. Both Catholic and evangelical congregations were target