Outrage in Nigeria as 37 Christians Abducted on Easter Remain in Captivity After 70 Days

No Rescue of Christian Hostages after 70 Days in Forest Torture

By Luka Binniyat

(Kaduna) – After seventy days in captivity, a forum of Nigerian journalists and aggrieved villagers have accused the Kaduna State Government of abandoning 37 citizens abducted by Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) during an Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia County, Southern Kaduna, Nigeria.

All the hostages are Christians of the Kuturmi ethnic group, TruthNigeria findings show.

TruthNigeria had reported that on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, armed attackers confirmed to be FEM stormed church services in Ariko community.

The reports indicate that 37 people were kidnapped and at least five people were killed during the attack. While initial military statements said 31 hostages were rescued, community leaders later disputed this and maintained that the 37 abductees remained in captivity.

Security Getting Worse In Southern Kaduna

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Congress on Monday, June 15, 2026, the Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum (SKJF) expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of worshippers abducted from Ariko and other victims of kidnapping across Southern Kaduna.

The communiqué, which was signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Ango Bally, called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and unconditional release of the Ariko hostages.

“Congress described the security situation in several Southern Kaduna communities as alarming, disturbing, and unacceptable,” the communiqué went on,” part of the Communique reads.

“Members observed that recurring attacks, kidnappings, killings, and threats to lives have adversely affected economic activities, displaced numerous families, disrupted farming and commercial activities, and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty across the region,” the communiqué added.

Also, the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) has joined its voice in protesting the prolonged captivity of its Ariko kinsmen and women by FEM.

Members of the association on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, staged a peaceful protest in Katari town on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, Kachia County, Kaduna State.

The President of KUDA, Dr. Joseph Ariko, who addressed the press, said that the Kuturmi people were profoundly disappointed over what he said had become a glaring pattern of government neglect toward the people of Kuturmi and surrounding communities, “who have continued to bear the devastating consequences of insecurity without adequate protection, intervention, or support from the authorities charged with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property,” he said.

70 Days Without A Word 

“It is now over 70 days since innocent Christian worshippers were abducted during Easter Sunday church service at Ariko,” he said.

“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 continued captivity of these worshippers raises serious questions about the priority accorded to the lives and welfare of citizens in our communities and Nigeria in general.

“Similarly, following the Awon attack, 11 innocent persons were abducted and have remained in captivity for more than 50 days.

“Yet there has been no meaningful public response, no visible emergency intervention, and no clear demonstration that the government appreciates the gravity of the situation confronting these families.

“KUDA finds it unacceptable that while public officials continue to make promises and issue assurances, the victims remain in captivity and their families continue to live in agony.

“The silence surrounding these incidents is deeply disturbing and has created the impression that the lives of our people do not matter to those entrusted with their protection.

100 Communities Taken Over By Fulani Ethnic Militia

“Even more troubling is the humanitarian disaster unfolding across Kuturmi land and its environs.

“More than 100 communities have been displaced by persistent attacks and insecurity.

“Thousands of citizens have been forced from their ancestral homes and now live as unofficial Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) without government-recognized camps, adequate relief materials, healthcare services, food assistance, or educational support for their children,” he noted.

“Many displaced families are battling hunger, disease, and extreme hardship,” he said.

“Children are dropping out of school, pregnant women lack access to healthcare, and the elderly are dying under deplorable conditions. Yet the government response has remained grossly inadequate and largely invisible.

“The people have every reason to feel abandoned. For years, communities in this region have repeatedly raised alarm over growing insecurity, yet attacks continue unabated while citizens are left to fend for themselves.

“The inability of the government to prevent these attacks, rescue abducted persons promptly, or provide meaningful support to displaced communities reflects a serious failure of responsibility.

“KUDA therefore calls on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, Kachia Local Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to stop treating the plight of our communities with indifference and urgently take concrete measures to address this crisis,” he said.

Luka Binniyat writes on Politics and Conflict for TruthNigeria from Kaduna.

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