Thirty-seven worshippers abducted during an Easter Day attack in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have now spent more than 100 days in captivity, with families expressing frustration over what they describe as the government’s slow response to their ordeal.
The victims were kidnapped on April 5, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the community during Easter celebrations. The attackers reportedly killed five people, injured several others, and abducted 37 residents, including women, children, elderly blind men, and sick individuals.
A journalist from the community, Reuben Buhari, said the captives are enduring harsh and inhumane conditions while in the hands of their abductors.
According to him, the victims have remained in the same clothes they wore on the day of the attack, sleep on bare ground, and are exposed to rain and scorching heat. He added that many have been unable to bathe for weeks, suffer from lice infestations, insect bites, hunger, and illness, while also witnessing traumatic events during their captivity.
Another community representative, J.D. Ariko of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, accused both the federal and Kaduna State governments of failing to make sufficient efforts to rescue the victims.
He alleged that the kidnappers have continued to demand a ransom of N1 billion and 35 motorcycles, a demand the affected families say they cannot meet.
Ariko appealed to security agencies and government authorities to prioritise the safe rescue of the abductees, stressing that the families are relying on government intervention rather than negotiating with the kidnappers.
Community sources also claimed that residents who publicly speak about the victims’ plight often face intimidation, making many reluctant to continue advocating openly for their release.
More than three months after the attack, the abducted worshippers remain in captivity, while their families continue to urge the government to intensify rescue efforts and secure their safe return.
