The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) has accused the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, and security agencies of ignoring communities affected by insecurity in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, claiming that worshippers kidnapped during an Easter Sunday church service in Ariko have been held captive for more than 70 days.
The group also revealed that 11 individuals taken during an attack on the Awon village more than 50 days ago have yet to be released.
On Tuesday, the group’s president, J.D. Ariko, and publicity secretary, Manasseh Samuel, issued a statement expressing worry about what it called the government’s poor response to the condition of affected people.
According to the group, families of abducted worshippers have continued to suffer in uncertainty, with little evidence of a concerted attempt to secure their loved ones’ 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 partly read.
The group stated that the victims‘ protracted imprisonment had increased worry among residents and prompted concerns about the level of importance given to the security and well-being of citizens in the area.
KUDA further claimed that repeated violence and insecurity had displaced over 100 settlements across Kuturmi territory and nearby areas, displacing thousands of residents from their ancestral homes.
It alleged that many displaced people were living in informal settlements with no access to government-sponsored camps, basic relief items, healthcare services, food aid, or educational opportunities.
According to the association, many families were struggling with hunger, disease, and great poverty, while children were forced to drop out of school, and vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and the elderly, were living in horrible conditions.
The group complained that despite repeated appeals from affected communities, attacks had continued, leaving many victims without adequate support.
It urged the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, the Kachia Local Government Council, and security agencies to step up efforts to obtain the prompt release of all abducted individuals and boost security in vulnerable localities.
The association also demanded emergency humanitarian assistance for displaced people, official recognition of displaced communities living in informal settlements, and greater accountability from relevant authorities regarding measures taken to address the security and humanitarian crises.
KUDA also encouraged the government to begin construction of the approved Forward Operating Base at Maraba Barga Junction in Awon, which it claimed would boost security responsiveness and protection for civilians.
“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.
