Residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have appealed to the federal and state governments to urgently intervene in the rescue of 37 worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday attacks on churches in the area.
According to community leaders, the kidnappers are demanding ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles as ransom for the release of the victims, who have remained in captivity for over 46 days.
Speaking to journalists, President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), Dr. Joseph David Ariko, said the community lacks the financial capacity to meet the demands of the abductors and is relying entirely on government intervention and security agencies for the victims’ rescue.
Recall that armed bandits reportedly attacked three churches in the Ariko community during Easter Sunday services, killing five worshippers and abducting 37 others from St. Augustine Catholic Church, ECWA Church, and Baptist Church.
Dr. Ariko revealed that the kidnappers frequently contact the community, insisting on the payment without reducing their demands.
“They call almost every two days, demanding ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles. These are poor farming communities that cannot afford such an amount,” he said.
He added that the prolonged captivity has created fear, trauma, and hardship within the community, as families of the victims continue to suffer emotional and financial distress.
Community leaders also called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations while appealing to humanitarian organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support affected families during the crisis.
The incident has further highlighted growing concerns over insecurity, mass kidnappings, and attacks on worship centres in parts of northern Nigeria.
