The Kaduna State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the killing of some kidnapped residents of Ariko and Awom villages in Kachia Local Government Area, describing the incident as another sign of the worsening insecurity in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s Kaduna State Chairman, Alhaji Musa Muhammad, expressed grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Kachia Local Government Area and the Kaduna State Government.
Muhammad described the killings as a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting communities, calling the murder of the abducted victims “barbaric, inhumane and completely unacceptable.”
He urged the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.
The AAC also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings, insisting that the perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay.
The opposition party further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could help prevent future attacks and improve the protection of lives and property.
Beyond condemning the killings, the party urged authorities not to relent in securing the release of those still in captivity. It noted that victims abducted from Ariko village had spent about 110 days in captivity, while 11 hostages from Awom village had remained with their abductors for approximately 95 days.
The AAC prayed for the repose of the deceased and asked God to grant their families the strength to cope with the loss.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies aimed at improving security and safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Nigerians.
The statement followed reports that at least eight people linked to two groups of hostages abducted from Ariko and Awom villages died while in captivity. According to reports, seven of the deceased were from Ariko village, while the eighth was a newborn delivered by a woman abducted from neighbouring Awom village.
