Gunmen attacked a church during Easter services in Ariko, Kaduna state in northwestern Nigeria, killing at least five people according to security forces, though a local church official reported seven deaths. The Nigerian army rescued 31 abducted worshippers after engaging the attackers in a firefight that forced them to flee with significant casualties. The incident reflects broader security challenges in northern Nigeria, where jihadist groups and armed gangs known as bandits regularly conduct attacks and kidnappings for ransom. The Trump administration has raised concerns about Christian persecution in Nigeria and deployed US troops in February to train Nigerian forces, while the Nigerian government rejects religious framing and insists victims include Muslims, Christians, and people of no faith.
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