Bandits Insisting On N1bn, 35 Motorcycles To Release 37 Victims Kidnapped From Churches — Kaduna Community

Residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have appealed to the federal and state governments to urgently secure the release of 37 worshippers abducted during an Easter Sunday attack on churches in the area.

Community leaders say the abductors are demanding ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles as ransom before releasing the victims, who have now spent about 45 days in captivity.

President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), Dr Joseph David Ariko, told DAILY POST that the community is unable to meet the demand and is relying entirely on government intervention and security operations.

“They (bandits) called virtually every two days, demanding for N1bn and 35 motorcycles. They are not ready to reduce the amount of money they are demanding from the poor farmers, who in reality cannot afford to raise such amount of money,” he said.

According to reports, armed bandits stormed three churches—St. Augustine Catholic Church, ECWA Church, and a Baptist church—during Easter Sunday services, killing five worshippers before abducting 37 others.

The victims have remained in captivity since the attack, leaving families in prolonged anxiety and deepening insecurity across the community.

Ariko said the abductors have maintained regular contact with community representatives but have refused to reduce their demands, despite appeals.

He lamented that residents have no financial capacity to meet the conditions, stressing that the community’s only hope lies in swift rescue efforts by security agencies.

The prolonged captivity, he added, has disrupted normal life in the area, with economic and social activities severely affected as fear continues to grip residents.

Community leaders have called on security agencies to intensify operations to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and restore confidence among residents.

They also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, humanitarian organisations, and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted worshippers.