31 CSOs Reject Army’s Rescue Claim In Ariko Killings

No fewer than 31 civil society organisations (CSOs) have rejected the Nigerian Army’s claim that victims abducted during the recent attack on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State were rescued, insisting that all those taken remain in captivity.

The groups, under the umbrella of Civil Society for Good Governance and Accountability, in a statement issued on Friday, described the military’s claim as inaccurate and misleading, alleging a pattern of misinformation in the handling of security incidents.

The groups statement was endorsed and signed by House of Justice; Centre for Medical Law and Mass Atrocities Accountability; Prof. Chidi Odinkalu , Alheri Magaji; Gloria Ballason; Steven Kefas; George Makeri of Coalition for Truth and Justice.

Others who also signed the statement were Community Development and Rights Advocacy Foundation; Middle Belt Times; Middle Belt Concern; Luka Binniyat of Southern Kaduna Indigenous Progressive Forum among others.

They said the Easter Sunday attack on April 5 saw heavily armed terrorists storm worship centres, including ECWA and Catholic churches in Ariko community, killing five persons and abducting 38 others.

According to the CSOs, families of the victims have maintained contact with the abductors, who confirmed that the victims are still alive and being held, contrary to the Army’s claim of a successful rescue operation.

“In the immediate aftermath, the Nigerian Army issued a widely circulated statement claiming to have rescued 31 of the abducted victims. This claim was inaccurate. The inherent contradictions of the statement revealed unfortunate efforts at propaganda by the Army rather than a plausible effort at the rescue of the abducted and the protection of vulnerable communities.

As of the time of this release, all abducted persons remain in captivity. The families of victims have maintained direct contact with the abductors, who have themselves confirmed that the victims are in their camps” the statement stated.

They cited a statement by the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), which also dismissed the rescue claim, maintaining that none of the abductees had regained freedom.

The groups recalled a similar development in January in Kajuru Local Government Area, where authorities initially denied the abduction of worshippers before later acknowledging the incident after public pressure.

They also condemned the indefinite suspension of the Speaker of Kachia Local Government Legislative Council, Hon. Mark Bawa, describing it as an attempt to silence the truth.

“Bawa was suspended after granting a media interview confirming the Ariko attack. The CSOs said the action amounted to political intimidation and an assault on democratic principles”.

They demanded his immediate and unconditional reinstatement.

The statement further raised concern over the deteriorating security situation in Southern Kaduna, noting that several communities have been deserted due to persistent attacks.

It also highlighted other recent incidents, including the abduction of 11 persons in Zunturum, Kachia LGA; the killing of 13 persons and abduction of 28 others in Kahir, Kagarko LGA; and attacks in Maro Kasuwa, where residents were reportedly killed and others abducted.

They called on the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safe rescue of all abducted persons, rather than issuing what they described as premature claims.

The CSOs also urged the federal and Kaduna State governments to take concrete steps to restore security, facilitate the return of displaced communities, and protect citizens who speak out on insecurity.