By Our Correspondent
A community group in Kaduna State has raised concerns over the continued captivity of worshippers abducted during an Easter Sunday church service in Kachia Local Government Area, saying the victims have remained missing more than 70 days after the incident.
The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) accused the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government and security agencies of failing to adequately address the worsening security situation in the area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, J.D. Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel, the association said worshippers kidnapped during an Easter service in Ariko community had yet to regain their freedom, despite repeated appeals by residents.
The group also disclosed that 11 residents abducted during an attack on Awon community over 50 days ago remain in captivity.
According to KUDA, affected families have been left in distress and uncertainty, with little indication of a coordinated effort to secure the release of their loved ones.
The association noted that the prolonged captivity of the victims has heightened anxiety among residents and raised concerns over the level of protection being provided to vulnerable communities.
It further alleged that persistent attacks across Kuturmi land and neighbouring communities have displaced more than 100 settlements, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The group said many displaced persons are currently living in informal settlements without access to government-supported camps, adequate healthcare, food supplies, educational support or other humanitarian assistance.
It added that many families are grappling with hunger, illness and severe hardship, while children have been forced out of school and vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and the elderly, continue to face difficult living conditions.
KUDA called on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, Kachia Local Government Council and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons and strengthen security in affected communities.
The association also urged authorities to provide emergency relief for displaced residents, formally recognise communities sheltering in informal settlements and ensure greater accountability in addressing the region’s security and humanitarian challenges.
It further appealed to the government to commence construction of the approved Forward Operating Base at Maraba Barga Junction in Awon, which it said would improve security response and enhance protection for residents.
“Our people deserve the same protection, concern and dignity accorded to citizens in every part of the country,” the statement said.
