The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) has expressed concern over the continued captivity of worshippers abducted during an Easter Sunday church service in Ariko, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, more than 70 days after the incident.
The association accused the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies of failing to adequately address the security and humanitarian challenges facing communities in the area.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, J.D. Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel, on Tuesday, KUDA lamented that families of the abducted worshippers had been left in uncertainty with little progress toward securing their release.
“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 said.
The association also revealed that 11 residents kidnapped during an attack on the Awon community more than 50 days ago were still being held by their captors.
According to the group, the prolonged detention of the victims has heightened fear and anxiety among residents, raising concerns about the level of attention being given to the safety and welfare of people in the affected communities.
KUDA further alleged that persistent attacks by armed groups had forced more than 100 communities across Kuturmi land and neighbouring areas to flee their homes, displacing thousands of residents.
The association said many displaced persons were currently living in informal settlements without access to government-supported camps, adequate relief materials, healthcare services, food supplies or educational support.
It noted that many families were grappling with hunger, illness and severe hardship, while children had been forced out of school. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and the elderly, were also said to be facing difficult living conditions.
The group lamented that despite repeated appeals for intervention, attacks had continued and affected residents remained without sufficient support.
KUDA called on the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, the Kachia Local Government Council and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons and strengthen security measures in vulnerable communities.
The association also demanded urgent humanitarian assistance for displaced residents, formal recognition of displaced communities living in informal settlements and greater transparency from authorities regarding efforts to address the security and humanitarian crisis.
Additionally, it urged the government to commence the construction of the approved Forward Operating Base at Maraba Barga Junction in Awon, which it said would improve security operations and provide better protection for residents.
“Our people are not second-class citizens. They deserve the same protection, concern and dignity accorded to citizens in other parts of the country,” the statement added.
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