Abducted Easter worshippers still missing after 70 days — Kaduna community

The Kuturmi Unity Development Association has accused the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, and security agencies of neglecting communities affected by insecurity in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, lamenting that worshippers abducted during an Easter Sunday church service in Ariko have remained in captivity for more than 70 days. The association also disclosed that 11 residents abducted during an attack on the Awon community more than 50 days ago had yet to regain their freedom. In a statement signed by its president, J.D. Ariko, and publicity secretary, Manasseh Samuel, on Tuesday, the group expressed concern over what it described as the government’s inadequate response to the plight of affected communities. According to the association, families of the abducted worshippers have continued to suffer in uncertainty, with little indication of a coordinated effort to secure the release of their loved ones. “It is now over 70 days since innocent Christian worshippers were abducted during an Easter Sunday church service at Ariko. “Families whose loved ones were taken have been left to suffer in silence, with little evidence of a coordinated and determined effort by government authorities to secure their release,” the statement partly read. The group said the prolonged captivity of the victims had deepened anxiety among residents and raised questions about the level of priority accorded to the security and welfare of citizens in the area. KUDA further alleged that persistent attacks and insecurity had displaced more than 100 communities across Kuturmi land and surrounding areas, forcing thousands of residents from their ancestral homes. Related News Nigeria faces critical ocean governance test ahead of Kenya summit Albinos seek collaboration to fight skin cancer Police nab 19-year-old Delta student over illegal firearm It claimed that many of the displaced persons were living in informal settlements without access to government-supported camps, adequate relief materials, healthcare services, food assistance, or educational support. The association said many families were battling hunger, disease, and severe hardship, while children had been forced out of school and vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and the elderly, were facing difficult living conditions. The group lamented that despite repeated appeals by affected communities, attacks had continued while many victims remained without sufficient support. It called on the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, the Kachia Local Government Council, and securit