Residents of the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have raised alarm over the continued captivity of 37 Christian worshippers abducted by bandits during coordinated Easter Sunday attacks on churches in the area.
The gunmen reportedly invaded St. Augustine Catholic Church, ECWA Church, and Baptist Church during worship sessions, abducting dozens of worshippers and killing five persons in the process.
According to the community, the bandits are now demanding a ransom of ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles for the release of the victims, who have remained in captivity for about 45 days.
The abductors reportedly specified that the motorcycles must include 20 “Boko Haram” brand motorcycles and 15 Bajaj motorcycles.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Dr. Joseph David Ariko, President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), described the demand as outrageous and beyond the capacity of the rural community to provide.
He said the abducted victims include elderly persons, women and children who are facing harsh conditions in captivity, adding that families of the victims have been thrown into emotional and financial distress since the incident occurred.
Dr. Ariko appealed to the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to urgently intervene and deploy security operatives to rescue the remaining hostages.
He stressed that the community lacks the financial strength to meet the demands of the kidnappers and warned that delay in action could endanger the lives of the captives further.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks by armed groups on communities and places of worship in parts of Kaduna State, a region that has continued to grapple with insecurity, kidnappings and banditry.
