Nigerian troops rescue 31 hostages after deadly church attack in Kaduna

Nigerian forces have freed 31 hostages taken during a brutal attack on Easter Sunday in Kaduna state. Gunmen stormed churches in Ariko village, roughly 100 kilometers from Abuja, targeting Catholic and evangelical services. Military personnel engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandoning the abductees. The raid left at least five confirmed dead, though local church leaders say the toll may be higher, with seven worshippers reportedly killed. This assault comes amid es