Residents deny Nigerian army's claim of rescuing captives after Kaduna church attack

Tensions are rising in northern Nigeria as locals in Ariko, Kaduna state, challenge the army's assertion that it rescued 31 hostages seized during a deadly Easter Sunday church attack. While military officials report a successful operation involving a fierce gunfight that allegedly freed the captives and left blood trails marking the attackers’ retreat, community leaders insist the abducted remain missing. Joseph Ariko, president of the local community association, dismissed the claims and deman