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.
The abductors are reportedly demanding N1 billion and 35 motorcycles as ransom before releasing the victims, who have remained in captivity since the attack.
President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), Dr. Joseph David Ariko, disclosed that the community lacks the financial capacity to meet the demands of the kidnappers.
He explained that the community’s only hope now rests on government intervention and intensified rescue efforts by security agencies.
According to reports, armed bandits invaded three churches in Ariko community during Easter Sunday services, killing five worshippers before abducting 37 others.
The victims were reportedly taken from St. Augustine Catholic Church, ECWA Church, and Baptist Church during the coordinated attacks.
The abducted worshippers have now spent about 45 days in captivity, leaving families and residents in fear and uncertainty over their safety.
Ariko stated that the bandits have maintained regular communication with the community, allegedly contacting them every two days to insist on the ransom demand without any reduction.
He lamented that the victims’ families are mostly poor farmers who cannot raise such an amount, stressing that the community has no option other than to rely on the government for help.
The KUDA president said residents are calling on security agencies to launch rescue operations and secure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
He added that the prolonged captivity has created fear within the community and disrupted normal social and economic activities in the area.
According to him, many residents now live in anxiety, while affected families continue to face emotional and financial hardship following the incident.
Community leaders also urged security agencies to intensify efforts toward restoring confidence among residents through decisive action against the kidnappers.
They further appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, humanitarian organisations, and other stakeholders to support the community and assist in efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
NAN
