The Nigerian army rescued 31 worshippers trapped during Easter services, but the attack resulted in the death of at least five people.

On Sunday, the Nigerian army announced the rescue of 31 worshippers kidnapped during Easter services in Kaduna state, in northwestern Nigeria. The attack, which targeted a Catholic church and an evangelical one, resulted in the deaths of at least five people, highlighting the deteriorating security in the region, where criminal groups and militants have intensified raids and kidnappings.

Despite the police order to deploy massive security during the Easter festival, the attackers managed to abduct worshippers from a village located about 100 kilometers north of Abuja. The army quickly intervened, engaging in a shootout with the attackers, which led to the abandonment of the hostages. It was also reported that 65 bandits were killed in another military operation in Zamfara state, amid a rise in violence in the region. This situation has drawn international attention, including from the American president, who stated that there is a "genocide" of Christians in Nigeria.