Residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area have appealed to the federal and Kaduna State governments to urgently intervene and secure the release of 37 worshippers abducted during coordinated Easter Sunday attacks on churches in the area.
The community said it could not meet the N1 billion ransom and 35 motorcycles reportedly demanded by the abductors, insisting that government intervention remained their only hope for the safe return of the victims.
The worshippers were kidnapped after armed bandits invaded three churches during Easter Sunday services, killing five persons before whisking away dozens of others into captivity.
The victims, abducted from St. Augustine Catholic Church, ECWA, and Baptist churches, have now spent about 48 days in captivity, leaving families and residents gripped by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty over their condition.
Speaking on behalf of the community, President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), Dr. Joseph David Ariko, disclosed that the kidnappers had maintained regular communication with residents while insisting on their demands without any reduction.
According to him, the abductors contact the community almost every two days and have continued to demand N1 billion alongside 35 motorcycles as conditions for the release of the captives.
He lamented that the community lacked the financial capacity to raise such an amount, stressing that residents had no option but to rely on the government and security agencies for rescue efforts.
“We want the government to go and rescue our people. We cannot afford the ransom they are demanding,” he said.
Another resident, Ephraim John, said the prolonged captivity had subjected families of the victims to severe emotional trauma and hardship, with many living in constant fear over the safety of their loved ones.
He noted that the incident had also disrupted social and economic activities within the community, as residents continued to grapple with insecurity and uncertainty.
According to him, many families affected by the attack are struggling emotionally and financially while hoping for the safe return of those abducted.
Community leaders therefore called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations and restore confidence among residents.
They also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, humanitarian organisations, and other stakeholders to support affected families as the community battles the aftermath of the deadly Easter Sunday attack.
