Gunmen attacked a church in Nigeria’s Kaduna state, triggering conflicting claims between the military and Christian leaders over the fate of abducted civilians.
The Nigerian Army said troops rescued 31 people after armed men stormed a church in Ariko village, where several victims were killed.
Christian Association of Nigeria northern chairman Reverend John Joseph Hayab denied any rescue, saying the abducted victims remained in captivity despite military claims.
Hayab warned that premature announcements created misinformation and could allow bandits to operate freely while families searched desperately for missing relatives.
Local group Kurtumi Unity Development Association also rejected the army’s statement, calling it misleading and inconsistent with realities reported by residents.
Former village head Iliya Audu said seven people were buried after the attack, disputing the military’s lower death toll and rescue announcement.
The Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters did not respond to requests for comment, leaving uncertainty over the incident and the victims’ fate.
The dispute highlights growing mistrust between local communities and security forces amid persistent kidnappings and violence across northern Nigeria.