Nigerian army rescues 31 held after Easter church attack

Five civilians were killed by the gunmen and their bodies were recovered at the scene, the army said.

Thirty-one civilians held hostage following a Sunday morning church attack in north-west Nigeria have been rescued, the army has said. Five others were killed as gunmen targeted Easter celebrations at a church in Ariko, Kaduna state, according to a statement from the security forces.

Nigeria's army rescued 31 civilians taken hostage during an Easter church service in Ariko village, Kaduna state, where five people were found dead at the scene.